LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

®|jqt. @op?riig]^ lo. 



UNITED STATES OP AMEEICA. 



ROM THE Cradle to the Grave 



AND 



OTHER POEMS. 



BY 



OR. WIIvIvIAM H. KUIvT.ER. 



i3 



ILLUSTRATED. 






IONIA, MICHIGAN. 



T6 17^1 



COPYRIGHTED BY 

DR. WILLIAM H. FULLER, 

1888. 



INTRODUCTION. 



fHAVE had this topic in mind— "From 
THE Cradle to the Grave " — for 
over twenty 3'ears, but deferred writing 
from time to time, thinking some one more 
competent than myself might undertake the 
task. However, I have watched the productions 
of our great composers, but have failed, as yet, 
to see anything touching upon the various 
points of character which will be found embod- 
ied in this variegated topic. I have, to some 
extent, watched the transformation of those 
once helpless infants, as I saw them in the cradle, 
to leaders in society, teachers and professors of 
science and the arts. Nature's development 
with discipline and education has wrought the 
change. 

Such is the great desideratum in all progress. 
When we contemplate those master minds who 
have been, and are now, engaged in the differ- 
ent branches of science and the arts, and know 
that but a few years since they were infants in 
that helpless state, our minds are awed with 
wonder to behold such a change. But never- 
theless, this proves conclusivel}' that there is a 



4 IN TR OD UC TION. 

Divinity which shapes our ends and aims if we 
adhere to His teachings. Then, again, if we 
follow evil propensities we go the other way, 
on the road of wickedness and licentiousness. 
Hence, you will see I have tried, briefly, to 
give the contrast of characters, both virtuous 
and wayward, in my feeble way. I have 
watched the line between the two extremes, 
consequently I thought it m}^ duty to let the 
world know how to guard against such alluring 
vices which, ultimately, bring ruin and desola- 
tion to all who follow such a course. If mothers 
will read what I have written and rhymed, it 
seems to me they will heed the counsel; and if 
so, I shall think that God has directed me to 
show my light, even at the eleventh hour. It 
will surely give me more satisfaction at the 
closing scenes of life, than all the wealth of this 
world, for good counsel will live when I am no 
more. 

This little book, '' From the Cradle to 
THE Grave," is for the millions to read, hence 
its advice and warning we hope they all will 
heed. This is the author's true mission and 
souPs sincere wish. 

Dr. Wm. H. Fuller. 



INDEX. 



A Bible Lesson ^9^ 

Adam and Eve, U^ 

Advice to Young Ladies, 66 

Advice to Young Men Starting Up the Stage cf Action, . 63 

Alexander the Great, 203 

A Memorable Scene in the Life of My Little Daughter Helen. 225 

A Poem on Life, 79 

A Warning to Whiskey Venders, • 132 

A Word to Fathers and Mothers, ...... 53 

Benjamin Franklin, 35 

Bonaparte and Alexander, 204 

Changes and Periods of Life, The 243 

Columbus and the Pilgrim Fathers, .... 28 

Consoling the Christians, 127 

Consoling the Mother on the Death of a Little Daughter, 87 

Costof Rum, The ^44 

Dandy Fop, The 123 

Daniel Webster, • 9° 

Dentistry as a Science, . ^^ 

Development of Pictures, The 7^ 

Elihu Burritt, 95 

Examples for Fathers and Mothers, .... 229 

False-Hearted Young Man, The . . • • • ^55 

Family Group of Boys and Girls, The .... "S 

Friction Match, The io7 

From the Cradle to the Grave, 5 

Gas and Electric Light, ^'3 

God's Design, but Man's Transgression, . . . • 99 



INDEX. 



Grandma's Spinning-Wheel and Loom, 
Hard Times and the Causes, 
Hardened Miser's Riches and Gain, The 
Healing Plants for Man's Diseases, The 
Heir of Lynn, The .... 

How Much will He be Worth when He Dies? 
Humboldt, the World's Naturalist, 
Introduction, ...... 

Isolated Farmer the Happiest of All, The . 

Jenny Lind and Anna Dickinson, 

Jesus Christ the Holy Ch.ld of God, 

Man's Abuse to the Noble Horse, 

Moneyless Man, The 

Morse and Edisor, 

Mother's Home and I, 

Mozart's Musical Aspiration: 

Mrs. Hemans, 

New York, 

Niagara and Brooklyn Bridges, 

Noah Webster, 

Nobility and Wealth, 

Now and Then, 

Old Stage Coach and Palace Cars, The 

Ole Bull and Paganini, 

On Mv Sixty-first Birthday, 

Parent's Neglect, The 

Passion of Love, The 

Poets Byron and Burns, The 

Poor Iii.>h Girl, 'Jhe 

Progress of Science and Art, The 

Progressive Minds are Never Still, 

P. T. Barnum, 

Queen of England, The 

Railroads and Cars, 

Reception of a Kindred Friend, The 



55 
209 

96 
171 

173 
220 
170 
viii 

234 

98 

125 

109 

191 

91 

74 

94 

lOI 

206 

61 

36 

103 

213 

93 

115 

160 

149 

238 

105 

49 

57 

158 

208 

232 

III 

82 



INDEX. iii 

Reflecting Thoughts, . 84 

Rich and Poor, The ........ 188 

Robert Fulton, Fitch, and Rumsey, .... 76 

Robert Ingersoll, loy 

Scolding Wife and Jangling Husband, The ... 163 

Success or Failure in Life, 68 

Tippler's Doom, The ....... 137 

Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, The . . 121 

Wayward Daughter, The ....... 44 

Wayward and Intemperate Youn^ Man, The, Speaks of Mother, 199 

Young Lady About to be Married, 1 he .... 180 

Young Man From Home, The 40 

Thoughts on an Erring Husband, 194 

To Young Men, ........ 72 

Washington, the Father of Our Country, . . . 31 

Who Shall Judge? ........ 37 



^^V'V 



•iS^^V^ 







, . .r .Ife* 



g-^^^^^^^^.. 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE, 



Behold, the infant, helpless babe, 
While in the cradle it is laid — 
Then mother sings sweet lullaby, 
To soothe the child and stop its cry. 

Such helpless ones by instinct show, 
Motion and cry is all they know ; 
This is the way by which they tell. 
For mother's caress and nurse a spell. 

Sometimes for weeks their eyes will close, 
So quietly sleeping, they'll daily doze, 
But when to nurse they want again, 
They'll motion and cry with all their main, 

Such little ones are but a germ; 
Spared with health we'll see the turn 
From babe to youth — they soon will grow. 
But yet a child, it begins to show 



POEMS. 

More active strength to move about; 
Muscle's growing, its getting stout, 
So ma can sit it clown alone 
Upon the carpet without a moan. 

If old enough to tr}' to laugh, 
The pa and ma will do their half; 
Hence they will watch their little freaks, 
And to make it laugh the3^'ll play at peeks. 

x\nd then, so proud the}^ are to see 
The little one as it holds a key; 
'Tis ere these months the babe is creeping, 
And so playful after sleeping. 

When one year old it begins to walk; 
Jabbering away, it is trying to talk. 
The parents now have heart-felt joy. 
While babe is rattling its jingling toy. 

They'll skip and play in and out, 
Growing so fast and getting stout; 
They're idols now of their parents' heart, 
If it cries or moans, so quick they start. 

With fear and trembling they're almost wild. 
Ere something has happened to the child. 
But many is the bump when toddling about. 
Before they're way-wise to the route. 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. 

Such grades of life are ever turning, 
Youths to men and women, learning. 
'Tis first the bud and then the flower, 
But next the fruit to fill the bower. 

Like trailing vines with culture grow, 
Cherished with care its tendrils show. 
A child is like a little sprout. 
While orrowinsf to trees it branches out. 



THE parents' love. 



But here we pause and look again; 
No creature so helpless on all the plain 
As the bab}' infant, if left alone 
'Twould perish and die without a moan. 

But God to parents by instinct taught 
That love for child can't be forgot; 
Hence the parents with fostering care. 
To quiet the child no trouble will spare. 

So when asleep, if they step aside, 
With listening ears they're open wide. 
And whenever present, with watchful c} e. 
Its motions observe, fearing 'twill cry. 



POEMS, 

Then, if disease should take the child, 
Frantic they are and nearly wild; 
Not a single moment will they spare 
Until its sufferings they can repair. 

I've often thought, when called to see, 
How happy the child in playful glee. 
But when in spasms how great the change! 
Haggard and wild, they look so strange. 

The mother's heart bounding with fear, 
The father listening with a silent ear; 
Saying, "Doctor, dear, save our child; 
Or, frantic, surely, we'll go wild." 

'Tis here we see the parents' love — 
Heart-felt emotions from above, — 
When in trying hours it gets control. 
Which God has planted in every soul. 

If death should take the little one. 
Baby daughter, or baby son, 
'Tis then their hearts are weighed in grief^ 
Their darling nipped like an autumn leaf. 

But now we'll take some other views, 
The babe is walking with its shoes. 
So proud is mother she leaps for joy. 
While babe is rattling its little toy. • 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRA IE. 

The little midgets skip around, 
Sometimes they'll stumble and fall down, 
Then bitter cries you'll hear them scream, 
So mother will rush unto the scene. 

'Tis such a task to watch and keep 
Those little ones when not asleep. 
Yet all good mothers are ever watching 
Their darlings to quiet by caressing. 

This daily task is the mother's rule 
Until old enough to go to school; 
But then it comes to fix and dress, 
She wants her child to look the best. 

Such we see is the mother's pride, 
For the best of style they're not denied. 
So now for school all ready to go. 
Kiss Ma good bye, and Pa will show 

The little one the way to school. 

To see the teacher and learn the rule, 

Whether a boy with flaxen hair. 

Or bright-eyed girl with cheeks so fair. 

They now begin life's acts to learn, 
If mind impressed we'll see the turn. 
So parents or guardians now should show, 
Their ways direct, so right they'll go. 



POEMS. 



''As the twig is bent the tree's incHned/"^ 
All for knowledge to store the mind, 
For life to live, and life to come, 
Your hearts rejoice in daughter or son. 



THE mother's care. 

Pve often thought of a mother's care — 
A group of children and none to spare: 
Her babe in arms, while others were sick. 
Their moans and cries you can't predict. 

I've been called to attend such cases 
When tears were streaming down their faces. 
Pa was away, but mother was there, 
Watching the sick with nursing and care. 

There's many diseases children w^ill have; 
With tender care to nurse and save, 
The mother is first and last of all; 
Husband and children on her will call. 

And many\s the hour l)aby she rocks. 
While ere to sew or knit some socks: 
'Tis then she washes most every day 
Baby was older and out to pla}^ 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRATE. 13 

A husband seldom knows the task 
Of all beginnings from first to last, 
" For woman's work is never done, 
But husband can rest at setting sun.'' 

But such is life, our cups must fill; 
Hence God's decree and holy will 
The earth to replenish and multiply, 
While ere we live and yet we die. 

Enjoined it is by holy writ. 
Our mundane lives for another must fit. 
We see the same in all creation. 
While God to man has shown relation. 

With power and might he lets him reign 
As king of earth upon life's plain, 
'^Who, then, can dare deny their God.^ 
Knowing the path the Christians trod." 

To save this life is all in all, 
With troubles and trials for great or small : 
Grow and develope for a riper age, 
Thy life befitting for the upper stage. 

Then dread of death will lose its sting, 
For Heaven's light a hope will bring. 
God has promised the faithful to bless, 
Then a happy home for all to rest. 



14 POEMS. 

If missions in life thou hast tilled. 
Thy conscience clear, God has willed 
Rewards to come when all is o'er, 
Your bark is safe for the other shore. 

Then never murmur to bear the cross, 
For troubles or trials are but dross, 
To all refine and purif}^. 
Befitting the soul for body to die. 



mother's troubles. 

Mother with children all the while. 
Tired and weary, shell hardly smile; 
Working so hard, she's nearly sick. 
Then children's noise to stamp and kick 

Her nerves so weak she cannot bear 
Their weeping cries to rock the chair; 
Husband at home, so cross he speaks. 
Aside she steps and there she weeps. 

'Tis then she'll wish she ne'er was born, 
For life seems dark and all forlorn; 
But when their fret and all is over, 
Happy they'll feel like pigs in clover. 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRA VE. 15 

Impulsive Nature will show her mark, 
But silence says ''stop! listen, hark"! 
The human mind is somewhat strange 
When drawn to line from all the range. 

With pleasure let us own our errors past, 
And make each day a critic on the last ; 
Then all contentions will cease their strife, 
Happy to make husband, child, or wife. 

Phrenology proves the different traits 
Of all the loves and all the hates. 
Then study the science with every thought, 
To get correct ere child you've taught. 

And never in haste nor passions do, 
A child to show correct and true. 
But mild and gentle try to please, 
Their little minds will catch with ease. 

To teach with love they 11 sure respect, 
Obedient to be, they'll ne'er reject; 
Impressions good they now have got. 
While young to learn it's never forgot. 

There's charms in love, but crossed, 'tis hate. 
Parents should study before too late. 
Although with children, that nature shows. 
It can be bent without the blows. 



i6 POEMS. 



THE FAMILY CIRCLE. 

To family circle let us go ; 
Around the table sets a row, 
Pa to read, and Ma to sew, 
Children at play, and noisy, too. 

Grandpa sits in yonder corner. 
He's getting old and quite a stormer. 
Stamping his feet, with eyes that snap, 
Children's noise disturbs his nap. 

"Why don't you children make less noise?" 
Then cross he looks to see the boys. 
"Can't 3'Ou pla}^ without stamping. 
And running with all that romping?" 

" Grandpa," says Charles, " What makes you 

cross ? 
Didn't you ever play at 4ioss,' 
When a little boy like John and me? 
Our Grandma says she loves to see 

" Us little children having fun. 
While skipping around, one by one." 
Good old Grandpa is eighty-four, 
And charms in life he sees no more — 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRA VE. 17 

But listening to hear that welcome voice, 
While Christ he loves, he is his choice; 
With ripened years he's filled the goal, 
And crowned immortal will be his soul. 

With patience waiting the time to come, 
Thou good and faithful now come home. 
And rest from all your worldly care, 
Thy seat is ready with saints to share. 

Happy such thoughts for the aged sire, 
He'll soon from earth and trouble retire; 
His soul to heaven is longing to go. 
With saints and angels it seems to show. 



THE SPORTS OF BOYS AND GIRLS. 

Now, here are the boys, with hoops and tops, 
Or kites to fly with flips and flops. 
Such sports as these is their delight; 
And so they'll play from morn till night. 

The next we see are the little girls, 
Their dolls to fix with frizz and curls; 
For such is nature the sexes show, 
Traits of character impressed to go. 



POEMS. 

Such days of childhood I oft can see, 
In memory's track it comes to me; 
And oft I wished to call them back, 
While mind reverts to the beaten track. 

Sometimes I think I hear the boys 
All hallooino' and making^ a noise; 
While playing a game of old base ball, 
And running bases they stumble and fall. 

But over 3'onder is a group of girls, 
joining hands in a circle whirls, 
"Ring the rosey," they call the pla}', 
They are now so happy da}' by da} . 

Such sports as these for lads or lasses. 

For growth and health while time it passes; 

It seems to be Nature's order. 

Ere brutes of earth will never falter. 

I often think when looking back 
On boyhood days, with what great tact 
We'd steal away and parents annoy, 
For play and sport to so enjoy. 

The greenest spots of life to know, 
With age to come it seems to show 
Those happy hours when I was young, 
With sport and play it was such fun. 



FIWAl THE CRADLE TO THE GRA VE. 19 

It seems so short to think it o'er, 
As we have turned to three score. 
Those da}s of Hfe were sunn}- spots, 
While time does last the mind ne'er blots. 



IN THEIR lEENS, CHOOSING MATES. 

The youthful boy he is quite a lad. 
For go he must and be with dad, 
To ride and drive his father's team, 
With lines and whip he's also keen. 

To lads and lasses the time seems lono- 
For men and women they are wishing strong, 
But when the teen of years has come. 
Their time and all is on the hum. 

They now begin to think, the}- know 
They'll soon to men and women grow. 
And when the bo^s the girls have seen, 
They're all for beaux e^'er so keen. 

Well, such is life ! If we stop and think, 
Change of progress is another link; 
Developing nature shows her traits, 
So choose thev will to tind their mates. 



POEMS. 

But if too young, their minds are weak, 
When bark is launched they'll find the leak; 
Hence, stormy tides upon life's ocean 
With billows of time 'twill bring commotion. 

Such seeds ye sow in harvest you'll reap. 
You choose a mate for life to keep. 
Know you then whate'er you want. 
Or love and all may come to naught. 

If so, discord, spite and hate, 

The path you've lost and shut the gate; 

Hence, you cannot call it back. 

So tread you must the thorny track. 

This is why you've got the worst, 
And law apply to get divorce', 
Congenial love you've never known, 
'Twas nature's impulse fled and flown. 

Look it o'er and weigh it well. 
The time will come for truth to tell. 
And when advanced you'll see the point 
To line the path and right the joint. 

If all was gold that glitters bright. 
And all was sun there'd be no night. 
But dark and light, bright or shining, 
The ways of life are all declining. 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRA VE. 

Then set your mark with the rising sun, 
To guide you right the Hght will run; 
To close the sequel we can't forbear, 
Congenial mates, a happy pair. 

Go back with us when school 3^ou left, 
And there you'll see your hope bereft; 
With education you'd just begun, 
But frolic and dance you thought was fun. 

So blame 3'Ourself if counsel refuse. 

To plod through life you'll have the blues, 

With ups and downs all the way. 

But most are downs which never pay. 

You can't but help, if you'll but see, 
A rule to guide is like a key. 
The way to open when you begin. 
And right to start the prize to win. 

You'll find it so with the best of men, 
They'll point ahead to figure ten. 
Then up they'll rise the first you know. 
They are pointing sure which figures show 

You must look before you leap. 
In light of sun you'll hardly sleep; 
But take 37our chances cool and right, 
With sense and reason your eyes can sight. 



POEMS. 



No use to falter nor e'er look back, 
But seek to tind the path and track, 
And then with courage move ahead, 
AVhen corners turned you've got no dread. 



THE LAD IN SCHOOL BUT A WAYWARD 
STUDENT. 

Now here's a lad in school begun, 
To hear the bell he's on the run. 
For in school he's learning fast, 
He has no rival in his class. 

Father and mother proud to think. 
Their boy to a man will link; 
He acts so manh' and learns so well, 
Night and morn they'll hear him spell. 

He's getting through the juvenile class, 
For the upper grades he soon will pass, 
So on he goes with a rapid stride, 
Teasing for college, he's not denied. 

Although small, he's health}^ and stout. 
So now for college they'll tit him out; 
His clothes are made, and books are bought. 
Then off he starts v/ith brightest thought. 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRA VE. 

But now in college those comrades show 
Such wicked deeds that he must know; 
His mind is ready to grapple all. 
Hence he sa3's " We'll roll the ball/' 

With keen perception he gets along, 
Learning the right as well as the wrong, 
Then booming ahead he makes advance, 
Excelling in all he takes his chance. 

'Tis now he's through and a graduate. 
And home he starts, his mind elate, 
But father nor mother don't seem to be 
High-toned enough for him 3'ou'll see. 

He thinks and says old-fashioned folks 
Don't understand the tricks and jokes; 
Then out to tow^n he makes his wa}'. 
And finds some chums that know the pla}'. 

See that mother who's tenderly reared 
This noble boy, so w^ayw^ard 'tis feared, 
wShe now is watching his ever}^ step. 
Him to warn she's prayed and wept. 

He goes to town day after day. 
Drinks and gambles, with cards does play; 
Sometimes he stays so late at night, 
Mother is lookins^ with an anxious siHit. 



24 



POEMS. 

Father is traveling and not at home, 
Hence he^s glad his mother is alone; 
Indulged he's been from early youth, 
And ne'er was cautioned to tell the truth. 

But take him back to the infant bo}'. 
Playful and bright, gave mother such joy; 
'Twas then she never had such a thought 
Her innocent babe would be a sot. 

But the wicked wiles of men 
Blight all the hopes of every ten ; 
Son or husband, 'tis all the same. 
With bad societ}^ it leaves its bane. 

Debauched by drink, and money spent, 
While next for thieving they are bent ; 
So step by step their conscience will sear. 
Then soon for murder they never fear. 

Their money is gone, while crazed for drink. 
And ne'er will stop to even think 
They must reform before too late. 
So on they'll go to seal their fate. 

'Tis now their doom, the deed is proved, 
Guilty of murder, and none behoove; 
The court decides, the jury agrees, 
To hang they must e'er law appease. 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. 25 

Tried and condemned for the awful deed. 



Fathers and mothers your hearts must bleed; 
For here's the boy you loved so well, 
Now on the gallows for death and hell. 

God forbid you ever should have 
This blight to come before the grave ; 
We all would wish we never were born, 
With life to come we VI feel forlorn. 

As Pope has said: 

" Heaven from all creatures hides the book 

of fate. 
From brutes what men, from men what 

spirits know. 
Or who could suffer being here below. '■ 



THE BOY WHOSE PARENTS WERE POOR, 

We'll take the boy whose parents were poor 
Buffeting life, he's got to score. 
With honest toils day b}^ day. 
No leisure hours for him to play. 

Nio'ht and morn with books to learn, 
Mind so studious, his thoughts will turn 
To watching the ways and acts of men, 
Though young in 3^ears — he's only ten. 



26 POEMS. 

A maxim remembering, the}^ often say: 
''Where there's a will there is a way"; 
Marching onward he's bound to rise, 
With all his efforts he'll win the prize. 

This is no liction your minds to fond, 
But look 3'ou to Abraham Lincoln. 
He commenced at the bottom round. 
And step by step the top one found. 

. He toiled and studied with mind intent. 
Force and energy without relent, 
Hence you see the marks he made. 
As a national leader he held the blade. 

The highest office of a nation's honor, 
The people choose as their donor. 
In him believed so worthy to hold. 
As a judge and chieftain he controlled. 

To plan and manage that cruel war. 
For men in bondage he did abhor, 
And when he got the fetters broke 
The assassin's ball was his death-stroke. 

We can't describe the national grief, 

Of heart-felt anguish it did leave; 

An innocent man whom the world could trusty 

After revenge his life they thrust. 



FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. 27 

But here to say how he begun. 
To work his way he phuined the sum. 
And sought a chance at every turn. 
With mind and thoughts how to learn. 

And so it is with men of might, 
To start they must, and do it right. 
Hence achievements they can't expect, 
Unless the lines they get correct. 

In proof we see those acts of strife, 
With ups and downs the ways of life, 
If right to keep have points in view, 
Then persevere and you'll get through. 

If plough to hold, don't look back, 
But push ahead and you'll find the track. 
Though crooks and turns you ma}' lind, 
If there to get you've got to cliriib. 

Ere rough or smooth, you must not stop, 
Until the summit you've reached the top; 
When there you get the ball will roll. 
So very easy you can control. 





COLUMBUS AND THE PILGRIM FATHERS. 



Our national history will prove it all, 
With Columbus and his vessel small, 
On trackless ocean starting out, 
As an explorer he had no route. 

Then he thought if the ocean he crossed, 
His time and all would not be lost. 
For something beyond the waters bound, 
With a will to search it could be found. 



He toiled and suffered with the little ship. 
Upon the surging seas 'twould roll and dip; 
His crew, desponding, thought him wild, 
Through voyage uncertain the}' never smiled. 

With many privations, but persevering, 
The land for Columbus came appearing, 
Then roots for food they dug to eat. 
While crew and all felt more complete. 



COLUMBUS AND THE PILGRIM FATHERS. 



29 



So by Columbus and Pilgrim Fathers, 
We're living on lands with hills and hollows, 
Now homes with comfort we can enjoy, 
No savage Indians to molest or annoy. 

But if 3^ou'll read historical facts, 
The trail- you'll see of red men's tracks, 
Then how they butchered the pioneers. 
Regardless of wives' or husbands' tears. 

The forest then was a howling wild, 
Since wood-men's axe has felled and piled; 
Our fathers of old who suffered and wrought, 
With Indians and England such battles fought. 

Famishing hunger and perishing cold, 
They faced the enemy with courage so bold, 
'Twas liberty, freedom they sought to gain. 
Hence life or death with leaders in train. 

The watch-word, "buckle your armor tight," 

And be ye ready for battles to fight ; 

If foes do come be on 3^our post, 

Their vessels to vanquish upon our coast. 

Now we who live here to-da}'. 

With all to do what can we say.^ 

Our land is flowing with milk and hone}', 

Now millions of wealth and plenty of money. 



30 POEMS. 

Compare it now as it was then, 
No money to do and scarce of men, 
Indian foes and England to fight, 
Prowhng around day and night. 

Could we but see what they went through 
For freedom's cause, a scanty few, 
We'd hardl}' believe what they endured 
Those seven years our liberties procured. 

The}^ saw in mind what we enjoy, 
If liberty to get 'twas battle's annoy, 
With a bloody struggle and a loss of life. 
E'er homes to keep with children and wife. 

They were determined to fight it through, 
And never yield for what was true; 
Hence God in heaven blessed their cause, 
And snatched the 3^oke from the lion's jaws. 





WASHINGTON, 

THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY. 

Our chieftain-general was Washington, 
As a national father they made him one, 
While thus in memory we hold him dear, 
His deeds and acts our hearts doth cheer. 

But once a babe like all the rest, 
His good mother washed and dressed, 
Then wrapped in blankets was the little son, 
Who in after years was Washington. 

But when a lad he seemed to be 
A boy of truth who cut the tree. 
And told his father his little axe 
Marred the tree, and such were facts. 

With truth and candor he grew to man. 
Seeking the good and right to plan. 
For a little nation in bondage kept. 
Then to the foremost rank he stepped. 



POEMS. 

Hence father of liberty he was called, 
Achieving the victory our freedom installed, 
While his name w^e'll never forget, 
On American hearts 'tis deeply set. 

But here w^e pause to look all o'er; 
Those brightest sires have left the shore, 
But still their deeds and acts we know, 
Our flag of liberty her stars will show. 

While all the people are proud to see. 
That waving banner sweet liberty; 
They prize it above rubies or gold, 
While honored by nations from pole to pole. 





BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 

THE LIGHTNING KING, AND THE PEOPLE'S PHILOSCPHER. 



B. F. Franklin, the lightning king, 
Magnetic sparks he got \vith string. 
Up towards the clouds with kite and line. 
While so adjusted the sparks would shine. 

By this he proved the lightning flash 
From thundering clouds could loose its crash. 
To thus extract its force and might, 
By which he done with string and kite. 

Hence a glance at electric power, 
For men of skill to erect a tower. 
By which in part they now have done, 
As a message boy to go and come. 

That wild terror of the sky above 
Now glides as tame as a turtle dove, 
'Tis thought the time soon will come 
When by its power machines will run. 



34 POEMS. 

While Franklin made a starting point, 
So men of genius can right the joint; 
Hence Morse and Edison have done the same, 
On which to build a tower of fame. 

Franklin, in science a scholar profound, 
With system to stud}' he was renowned ; 
Like Solomon, the king of olden days. 
The people's philosopher was his says. 

His sayings and maxims we often hear, 
In council for wisdom they do appear; 
While those wiio've read his life and acts. 
Know for sure the same are facts, 

A printer for trade and scholar for law. 
While national advisor the}' found no flaw\ 
Such men so great, once little boys, 
Also babies who played with toys. 

They had to learn from the A, B, C, 

In order to get the knowledge key ; 

So don't despair if you want to rise, 

With toil and struggle you'll win the prize. 

Give thought to mind like an older sire. 
So soon you'll see the temple spire; 
Knowledge will show its radiant light. 
With sparkling genius 'tis e'er so bright. 



BE iVJA MIA ' FRA NKL IN. 

Those leaders of old have left their mark. 
With lines so bright we can see the spark, 
To light the way we can't mistake, 
With e3'es to see and wide awake. 




f^^rr.-^ 



m^mfi 




NOAH WEESTER, 

THE DEFINER OF WORDS, AND LEXICOGRAPHER. 



Noah Webster, whose fame is bright, 
With name in history, 'twill keep in sight, 
As lexicographer he was renowned, 
Hence for nations words expound. 

He laid the pier upon which to stand, 
Words defined at our command ; 
Studious his habits from early youth. 
And manl}^ inclined to tell the truth. 



His life he spent in the work so great, 
And crossed the ocean to get it straight ; 
'Twas mutual labor to right those crooks, 
Consulting men and searching books, 

To him indebted for a dictionar}^ 
We all can go and make inquiry; 
If words to find or meaning show. 
To a Webster's " diction " 



So all the young must persevere. 
Get in the current and row and steer ; 
At first the tide ma}' keep you bound, 
But pull ahead, 37ou'll lind the sound. 



.^^c^v'^>^;^^^^ <n['\> 




WHO SHALL JUDGE? 



You cannot judge a man from looks, 
Nor the clothes he ma}^ wear, 

For in this life there's man}' crooks, 
Man to rouo'h and conscience tear 



Hence ^tis not the outer show, 

To always look for a noble man, 

But acts and deeds you can know, 

They're trying to do the best they can. 

The golden rule is often said, 

To others do as you'd wish of them, 
Then with conscience you'll have no dread, 
As tree of life vou've a^ot the stem. 



38 POEMS. 

Who shall judge a man for manners? 

Who shall know him b}' his dress? 
Paupers may be fit for princes, 

Princes lit for something less. 

Crumpled shirt and dirty jacket 
Maybe clothe the golden ore 

Of the deepest thoughts and feelings. 
Satin vests could do no more. 

There are springs of crystal nectar 
Ever welling out of stone ; 

There are purple buds and golden 

Hidden, crushed, and overgrown. 

God, who counts by souls, not dresses, 
Loves and prospers you and me. 

While he values thrones the hio-hest 
But as pebbles in the sea. 

Man, upraised above his fellows, 
Oft forgets his fellows then; 

Masters, rulers, lords, remember 
Your meanest kinds are men. 

Men b}' labor, men by feeling. 

Men b}' thoughts, and men by fame. 

Claiming equal rights to sunshine, 
Is a man's ennoblino- name. 



WHO SHALL JUDGE? 39 

There are foam embordered oceans, 
There are Httle red-clad rills, 

There are feeble inch-high sapplings, 
There are cedars on the hills. 

God, who counts by souls, not stations. 
Loves and prospers you and me, 

For to him all vain distinctions 
Are as bubbles in the sea. 

Toiling hands alone are builders 

Of a nation's wealth or fame; 
Titled laziness is pensioned, 

And fed and fattened on the same. 

By the sweat of other's foreheads, 

Living only to rejoice, 
While the poor man's outraged freedom, 

Vainly lifts up its voice. 

Truth and justice are eternal, 

Born with lovliness and light. 

Secret wrongs will never prosper 
While there is a sunny right, 

God, whose world-heard voice is singing- 
Boundless love to you and me, 

Sinks oppression with its titles. 
As the pebbles in the sea. 




THE YOUNG MAN FROM HOME. 



That young man who leaves his home. 
Out in the world he's going to roam, 
And no confiding friends to say 
A cheering word or point the way. 

Alone, despondent he seeks his mates, 
Who may beguile for wicked traits, 
And yet was reared with a father's care, 
Then a watchful mother with earnest prayer 

Now with companions he goes the rounds. 
In dens and places of bad renown, 
Where gamblers haunt and drinkers spree. 
He says at first "They won't catch me." 



THE YOUNG MAN FROM HOME. 41 

But soon he learns to smoke and swear, 
Then drink some wine, he won't forbear; 
But when alone he thinks of mother, 
Also his father and elder brother. 

Their farewell counsel he's failed to heed, 
If now the}^ knew their hearts would bleed. 
A trade he chose and went to learn. 
His stay was short when home to turn, 

A week or two, for just a visit, 
And while at home he takes a fit; 
To himself he says " I'll go to sea!" 
Then off to Boston in the his^hest o:lee. 

A few days around the dock, 
He meets a chum and there, they talk, 
To lay their plans and watch a chance. 
While then to captain they made advance. 

To so enlist for a voyage at sea. 
The captain says, "You can go with me; 
Our ship is bound for the Indias — West, 
With merchants' craft they count her best.'' 

The next day she was ready to sail, [pale, 
Those chaps so young looked haggard and 
Regretting with grief that they had started, 
From home and friends, w^ith all they'd 
parted. 



42 POEMS. 

While then, about the second day, 
They were heard to talk and say, 
'' My stomach feels so awful queer. 
We shall be sick, I surely fear,'^ 

Vomiting, sea-sick had now begun, 
Oh, hear them cry and mourn for home; 
But, too late ! too far from land ! 
The captain's duty he will command. 

Sick or well, they've got it to do. 
No shrinking there with captain or crew; 
The sailors would mock, joke and jeer. 
Then say to cry with a baby's tear. 

Hence their sickness grew worse and worse, 
Which angered the captain to swear and curse. 
Said he, ''You chaps must get around. 
Or I will flog you till you are sound/' 

This pierced their hearts like a rifle ball. 
With fear and trembling the tears did falL 
The captain says, " Your baby cries 
A cure I'll give with lash and ties." 

And then with a rope he tied them fast. 
And whipped them up to climb the mast; 
Such cruel hardships the}^ did endure. 
When from home they got a cure. 



THE YOUNG MAN FROM HOME. 



43 



One year and a half, and they returned, 
With great rejoicing before 'twas learned, 
That tasks so cruel on seas to dread. 
Their friends and all had thought them dead. 

It was a lesson for life to keep, 
No more to float on seas so deep; 
Their oats were sowed while e'er so wild, 
But pity that boy who's an ocean child. 

They studied down to business traits, 
Of life on sea they'd speak with hates. 
To warn young men to never think 
Of an ocean voyage with life to link. 




THE WAYWARD DAUGHTER. 



Now to mothers who daughters rear, 
If rightly impressed you needn't fear. 
The flower must bud ere it will bloom, 
So teach them virtue with life to loom. 

When thus impressed their life will show. 
As the twig is bent the tree will grow; 
For wives and mothers they'd be so kind. 
So man could love and be resigned. 

But here's a daughter with a wayward trait. 
Some bad society she's found to mate, 
While thus indulged from early 3^outh, 
Without regard of telling the truth. 

We'll watch her course and see her ways, 

She soon in dens with harlots stays; 

Oh, kind mother! can't you see. 

This daughter in youth you indulged too free.^ 



THE WAYWARD DAUGHTER. 45 

Hence, she's taken this wretched course, 
To turn her you can't by any force; 
'Tis now 3^ou wish she was a child. 
Again to watch whene'er she smiled. 

But, now, to think you've toiled so hard. 
That child to rear you're hands have scarred. 
Oh, such grief on a mother's heart ! 
Like thorns has pierced its fier}^ dart. 

Also, the father is weiofhed in mef. 
That lovelv dauo^hter like a wavinof leaf. 
A total wreck with harlots go. 
To blight and wither her life will show. 

Can we think for a moment's time, 
That beautiful girl beyond the line, 
And so degraded, no shame to blush. 
For money's love and passion's lust? 

We're sorry to say such is the case, 
We tind in cities that wicked trace; 
And often in the country round 
Those wayward girls can be found. 

Their bloom of youth soon will fade. 
For poison, disease can ne'er be stayed. 
And so they suffer that terrible wreck. 
While asking pardon for mercy's sake. 



46 POEMS. 

But all is lost ! such wither and blight 
Their brightest star eclipsed in night; 
No heaven's light from an}^ source, 
Disease soon ends their wretched course. 

Ah! little think they, when they sport. 
Disease and death they soon will court, 
And all that sad variety of pain. 
Sinks all at last that's on the train. 

Now death and shame bids their adieu. 
Then after the grave it's dark all through; 
Their bli^-ht is left on friends behind, 
If father, mother, brothers, or sisters kind. 

This is no fiction, but facts will show 
In towns and cities, if there to go; 
So now with warning guard and see, 
With prayers to God upon th}^ knee. 

Daughters with fathers and mothers should 

know 
Such lives to live, where they can go 
After death has cancelled all. 
Such souls in torment have sfot to fall. 



--^yi/l/l/^oyi^l/l^i^^ 










•«4V 











THE POOR IRISH GIRL. 



Now here's a daughter from a distant shore, 
Her parents and friends were rather poor ; 
To immigrate she thought it best, 
Leavino: her home and friends to rest. 

Acquaintance she made of a noble lady, 
Whose children she watched while crossing 

the sea. 
And then for books she seemed inclined, 
So ladv would teach to instruct her mind. 



Though young she was, but mind intent. 
Advanced in learning, ahead she went. 
And e'er the ocean she came to cross, 
A grammar she studied and learned to parse. 



50 POEMS. 

The famih' loved this girl so well, 

The}' offered adoption, with years to tell; 

She couldn't refuse so kind a deed, 

For a better home she never would need. 

When the}' were settled in their western home 
This young lady was right in tone 
For school and learning, her mind was bright, 
AVhich gave the family such great delight. 

They so encouraged her every thought, 
With best advantages she was taught ; 
While classics to study she soon aspired, 
Then by her teacher she was admired. 

Languages to learn she was disposed, 
Thus while to write some poetry composed; 
She soon was honored with a teacher's mate, 
Then family rejoiced with minds elate. 

For several years she studied and taught, 
At last her friends from Ireland brought. 
And soon a home she did procure 
With money she'd earned and saved for sure. 

While time rolled on she thus advanced. 
With many a suitor and many a ''chance "; 
But still declined, w^ishing to wait. 
For brothers and sisters she must educate — 



THE POOR IRISH GIRL. 51 

And so she did by prudent teaching. 
But still her mind was far more reachino-. 
For great achievements she was admired, 
And the 3'oung professor her hand desired. 

At last he his anxious wish proposed, 
And him she loved, but never supposed 
One like him, who ranked so high. 
Would ever for wedlock to her applv. 

But now his wish she couldn^t refuse. 

For when teaching the classics he VI always 

amuse ; 
So, after a little, she joined his hand. 
As a worthy husband she could command. 

Proud he was for so amiable a wife, 
And happy the}^ lived to enjoy their life. 
We see the difference between the two; 
The wayward had parents as rich as a Jew. 

But this poor girl, with reason went 

And sought with virtue, that marked intent, 

A model for life to live and come; 

When all is o'er, heaven is her home. 

You all can see the great contrast; 

Those wayward lives, how soon the}' blast, 

While that of virtue is looming up 

For the waters of life from an angeFs cup. 



52 



POEMS. 



Seek 3'e then this glorious boon! 
No dread in Hfe, nor in the tomb! 
But honors here and honors in heaven, 
Like bread of hfe which Christ will leaven. 

Then God the father will crown the seal, 
Such titles clear to his angels reveal. 
Oh, blessed thought! to think it o'er; 
YouVe deeded for heaven and the other shore. 





A WORD TO FATHERS AND MOTHERS. 



Fathers and mothers, I've a word for you: 
If boys you have, see what the}^ do; 
For bad companions will so delude. 
And their tender minds with vice betrude. 



And e'er you think of such a thing. 
Those innocent boys are in the ring; 
They've learned to lie, smoke and swear; 
If you could hear, 'twould make you stare. 

But watch you where they go to pla}'. 
And you'll believe then what I say. 
Go into our streets and there 3''ou'll tind 
Boys in groups from live to nine. 

They'll chew, smoke, swear and lie, 
And drink they will, but on the sly. 
They'll take a bottle and get it filled. 
They '^ want it for Ma, who is nearly killed," 



54 POEMS. 

Or some such excuse to satisfy 
The clerk where the drug they go to buy ; 
Then off they'll skip to some sly place, 
And there they'll drink with the utmost grace. 

Now, here's the point from where the}^ start, 
And in years to come 'twill break your heart. 
Although your doting when years roll by, 
Your every want they'll surel}^ supply. 

But mark you well that early step; 

Like a crawling serpent its grasp has kept, 

And ere 3^our hair is turning gra}'. 

They are laid in the grave to molder away. 

So try to nip it in the bud 

Before the tide becomes a flood. 

They say " The men can take their drink, 

So what's the harm if Ma don't think." 

'Tis now you see the examples tell; 
Those innocent youths on the road to hell ! 
You men with hearts and souls to save 
Beware! ere God with veno^eance rave! 





GRANDMA'S SPINNING-WHEEL AND LOOM. 



Look at Grandma's spinning-wheel! 
Twisting the yarn to skein with reel; 
And the loom that makes the cloth, 
They tread and beat, and with sweat they 
froth. 

Those were good old days we hear them tell, 
They'd spin and weave, their clothes would 

sell, 
Then help to pay for their farm and home ; 
Early and late they'd work the loom. 

With children small, some three or four 
Would wash the dishes and sweep the floor. 
While Ma would weave, some would quill, 
And others would rock the babe to still. 

Then Ma would cut and make their clothes ; 
So late at night her needle goes. 
Then up in morning before the sun. 
Breakfast to £:et ere loom can run. 



POEMS. 

Husband must plow and work the farm, 
While carpenters hew timber for the barn. 
Mother must work and care for all, 
Husband, workmen, and children small. 

I often think of the daughters now, 
Who've never learned to milk a cow; 
Let your Grandmas tell of their life. 
And lessons you'll learn for a husband's wife. 

You'll scarcely believe they could endure, 
Yet some are living with age so pure. 
And so with sons who scarcely know 
How to plant or how to sow; 

But haunt saloons, and cards will play. 
While thus they squander their lives away; 
Drink and smoke, swear and chew. 
Day after day is all they do. 

And, still, there's some who do despise 
With such a course to spend their lives; 
But in for books and business traits. 
When an opening comes they're at the gates. 

Such boys as these make noble men; 
Up they'll go, and onward again. 
And now, saloonist, you can't deny. 
If ever to prosper, you've got to tr}^ 



THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE AND ART. 57 

Forsake saloons and stop your games, 
See where to grasp and hold the reins ; 
If this you do you'll see the time 
When luck and biz will always chime. 

A farm you've got, or store in trade, 
That push for biz has honest made; 
So now to look and see from whence 
Your stock is paid or farm is fenced. 



THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE AND ART. 



Now we look at science and art; 

Some point must show from whence they start. 

We see in our own day and time 

The last half century has shown design. 

With schools of thought for men to plan, 
What one can't see the other can ; 
And so improved we all advance, 
Then ever to stop there is no chance. 

But points, to tell how they begun, 
Like Grandma's spinning wool could run 
Into threads, then skein with reel, 
To spool and warp she'd have to deal. 



58 POEMS. 

While next we see is the old hand loom, 
With quills and shuttles, and frame in room ; 
But now a thousand spindles we see, 
In factories that buzz and run so free. 

Watched and attended by boys and girls, 
Who spin the yarn with the spool it whirls ; 
Machines to warp ready for loom, 
AVith a buzz and whizz, it's done so soon. 

While now in loom it's ready to weave, 
And the shuttles fly like a waving leaf; 
Their thousands of yards most every day ' 
In those factories they can display. 

They finish all, and make the cloth 
For less than Grandma's weaving cost; 
Invented machines are doing the work. 
And with the wise they will not shirk. 

Just think of the steam, from water boiled; 
That mighty power which man has coiled 
To get control of its hiss and bubble. 
Machines propelling, and power to double. 

Take all inventions made or planned, 
There's none so ready at our command. 
With wonder astonished, to look and think ; 
The power of steam with labor to link. 



THE PROGRESS OE SCIENCE AND ART. 59 

To forests dense and wild they'll go 
And mills erect with steam to show, 
Then fell the trees for logs to cut, 
While saws will buzz from top to butt. 

Boards or plank, they'll stack them high 
Along the mill to let them dry. 
'Tis here we see they needn't falter 
To look a chance for mill with water; 

But buy the timber and mill erect, 
'Tis then 'twill buzz with power direct. 
If run by water, sometimes too low. 
Or stops when high, but steam will go. 

With water to boil anc] fire to steam. 
Machine must oil and keep it clean. 
It seems so strange to think it o'er. 
From bo3'hood days inventions score. 

Machinery great they do invent. 
From world to world their skill is sent; 
With all to think we are surprised, 
Man from God is made so wise. 

Stephenson for cars, and Fulton for boats, 
While Howe for machines, to stitch the coats, 
Keating with knitters for drawers and socks. 
And Morev with looms made cloth bv knocks. 



6o POEMS, 

Then Mann}/ for reapers and mowers com- 
bined, 
To fell the grain and grass in time; 
So Gibson with planers for boards so rough, 
To match and groove, 3'ou'll get your stuff. 

Now, Morse and Edison, with wires to send 
A message thought to any friend, 
Telephone talk with voices clear, 
To understand as ear to ear. 

Those men so great from infants rose. 
To march with science their work it shows; 
And they are only a few to name, 
Thousands and thousands have done the same. 

Let all suffice, we cannot show 

Those great inventors that come and go; 

So by synopsis we give a few. 

Your thouo^hts to orlance and o'ct a view. 



Take science and art, with all combine 

The printer's skill to hold the line. 

While so for papers or books to read, 

To strengthen thoughts our minds can feed. 

Knowledge to know from others to learn. 
Those lines of sentence with points to turn. 
Hence but few e'er stop to think 
The worth and power of printer's ink. 



NIA GA RA A ND BR O OKL YN BRID GES. 6 1 

With type in letters they'll place the words. 
And then in sentence like cattleing herds, 
So when you read you can find 
Sense and meaning are all combined. 

I often think of the might and power, 
Now with print and press a tower, 
Like the light of sun to ripen soils. 
So minds can study with earnest toils. 

The different branches they may choose 
To suit their fancy and get their views. 
And so develop for a riper age, 
With all befitting for the upper stage. 



NIAGARA AND BROOKLYN BRIDGES. 



We see those once but baby hands 
In after years by skill and plans, 
Now bridging over Niagara river. 
Whose angry waters with jarlings quiver 

Again the mountain Brooklyn bridge, 
A towering structure the skies to ridge, 
For all those men with wonderful skill, 
Had mothers to nurse and cradles to fill. 



62 POEMS. 



The different gifts that God has taught, 
Some with music or genius of thought, 
While others construct, work and plan, 
A ofeneral for nation must hold command. 



The human genius is a master link, 
Like an endless chain to stop and think; 
Hence poets and divines of ever}^ age, 
Like a Shakespere acting upon the stage. 

Know ye, then, that God has taught 
We should live for more than nought; 
With frivolous fashion to make display, 
On mind or body to hold the sway. 





ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN STARTING UP THE 
STAGE OF ACTION. 



To all young men just starting out 

Upon the active stage of life, 
Be ever so cautious to choose the route, 

Ere 3^our w^ay is a thorny strife. 

You'll find there are many alluring vices 
To lead you off b}' their decoy. 

For such display has great entices, 
While in the end 'tis all alloy. 

But take the compass that's marked and lined 
By older sires who've made their mark. 

And in the end you'll surel}^ find 

They've safely steered their little barque. 

Don't get yourself in an}^ bubble, 

For pools are w^hirling underneath 

To draw^ you into deeper trouble. 

While then to loose your golden wreath. 



64 POEMS. 

Remember the counsel of an honored father, 
And praying mother's good advice; 

Keep all in mind as a guiding star, 
To drive away alluring vice. 

Haunt no place of ill repute. 

Nor let the wine that's sparkling red, 
Your lips or stomach to pollute. 

To craze the mind or rack the head. 

Read good books in leisure hours, 

Inspiring thoughts they will unfold; 

'Tis then you'll see on higher towers, 
The beauties of life to behold. 

The gay and glittering is onl}^ a show, 
Like surface bubbles, floating on 

To catch the eye, but soon will go, 
'Tis but a ripple and all is gone. 

When seeds to plant, choose the soil. 

While in their growth they may mature, 

Like trailing vines to hold the coil. 

And then the harvest will be sure. 

Those wayward boys can turn the tide. 
If advice the}' 'II take in time; 

To right themselves they must decide. 
With truth and virtue keep in line. 



ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN. 65 

Such marks will show like brightest gold 
In every turn and step they take, 

The good and true will help them hold, 
To line the path and stick the stake. 

These scattered thoughts just bear in mind ! 

Pve seen the ups and downs of men 
Who've wrecked themselves on beer and wine ; 

Then woe and sorrow with every ten. 

1 can remember o'er fifty years, 

Of brilliant men being allured ; 

By constant drink they got in tears, 

When rum they'd take to be cured. 

Oh! what a tangled web they'll weave, 
When tirst they practice to deceive; 
Pray now to copy the good in time, 
And God will help in that design. 





ADVICE TO YOUNG LADIES. 



Young ladies Tve a word for you, 
'Tis advice you should learn; 

The bloom of youth is alwa3's true, 

But going from that you'll see the turn. 

This world is all a giddy show. 

With form and fashion to make display; 
As age matures life's boon you'll know, 

To look ahead and see the way. 

The seeds of knowledge are always sure 
For brighter acts and nobler deeds; 

To ripen life you must endure 

And pluck from all the nauseous weeds. 



ADVICE TO YQUNG LADIES. 67 

Those tiny flowers in life's garden 

Will never bloom without the care: 

Hence cultivation they need to harden. 

Ere blooming fragrance will be there. 

So, never think displa}^ and show 

Is all in all of active life; 
The bud must bloom ere fruit will gfrow, 

If change is wrought 'twill be by strife. 

Haughty pride is a vanity show, 

Like dazzling shadows before the light, 
Reality with her will never go; 

Then shake it off with all your might. 

Look o'er the map that Nature's wrought, 

Education is a guiding star. 
Then vanity fair will come to nought, 

For nobler deeds you'll see afar. 

With knowledge in store to feed the mind, 
'Twill raise you up to a higher plain; 

If golden wreath you wish to find. 

Ere life is o'er you're on the train. 

'Tis then the crown you'll surely wear. 

If deeds of kindness you wish to show, 

Like fragrant flowers perfume the air, 

Your light, though beacon, God will know. 



6S POEMS. 

If any society 3^011 should make, 

Be very cautious, ladies or men; 

Influence and character are now at stake, 

Such early impressions the mind will pen. 

Character is like the bud to bloom, 

If nipped by frost 'twill surely blast ; 

The way to start is bright as noon, 

With Nature's chart reflects will last. 



SUCCESS OR FAILURE IN LIFE. 



We'll take success or failure in life, 
A topic for all, both husband and wife; 
While young may learn, but old can see. 
Those points of failure to show to thee. 

So when you start on an active life, 
Your lines can mark by men of strife; 
And such that's made a sure success. 
From business cares they now can rest. 

Hence we see with all such men, 
System for business with book or pen; 
And then to deal upright with man. 
Confidence gained, so they can plan. 



SUCCESS OR FAILURE IN LIFE. 69 

Take A. T. Stewart to prove the facts, 
With his great start put goods in packs; 
Then billed to show just what they were, 
For customers to buy and give the spur. 

Then, confidence gained as an honest dealer, 
For business schemes he was a ''peeler." 
While prosperous showing attracts them all, 
To trade they will whene'er they call. 

Then with contidence we well can say, 
Success in business will always pay; 
Although so many have failed to see 
Such points of schemes, like the rule of three. 

Haphazard they go, hit or miss; 
Business jumbled, they'll have to twist, 
While all can see their tottering show, 
Confidence lost, they'll strike the blow. 

'Tis now they fail, for no success 
Can prosper business and do by guess. 
Nor any trade, it matters not. 
Without a system 'twill come to nought. 

Just look it o'er, and see for sure, 

With medicines to doctor you want a cure ; 

So don't get eager upon the start. 

To overload and break your cart. 

6 



70 FOE MS. 

Success should be your end and aim, 
Then persevere, you'll get the main; 
Then counsel take, we've tried to show, 
And cautiously prove the way to go. 

Frugal industry should be a feature, 
With prudent economy, a better teacher; 
Her lines to guide you can't mistake, 
Drawn e'er so tight, they ne'er will break. 

Then up and doing, no time to wait, 
AVhile there is biz to concentrate; 
Draw your focus with a scheme, 
If loads to move, take the team. 

Success, you'll find, will surely come; 
If team too anxious, don't let them run. 
For many's the time the load they'll spill, 
Then break and dash you down the hill. 

While such disheartens a new beginner, 
"No luck," says he, "I'm not a winner." 
But a little caution might stop the brake, 
With a deeper drive to stick the stake. 

If money invested, see what you do. 
Property or chattels, look it through; 
Or, purchased on time, see where to meet, 
No matter if bought ever so cheap. 



SUCCESS OR FAILURE IN LIFE. 71 

Read and post yourself to biz, 
Watch the tide and make no tizz; 
If stocks to trade, let it be known 
While in the market, and not a drone. 

With a little money to well invest, 
Soon 'twill double with interest; 
And every day add a little more, 
Increasing compounds score by score. 

And then you'll hear, as the saying goes: 
'' He's well lixed," which business shows; 
With such for courage, 3/ou'll boom along, 
Your favors count, they'll boost you strong. 

But the other side — loss and failure, — 
Which all will see and talk to slur; 
If drop you do, they'll hardly stop 
To help you up or hold the prop. 

As the saying goes, "Kick him down." 
If debts you owe, they'll call the town; 
And then, disheartened, while all is lost, 
You're like a crop that's nipped by frost. 

To menial labor you'll have to go, 
To saw the wood or use the hoe; 
So tough it comes with age to pass, 
You never was reared for such a task. 



72 POEMS. 

When once you're clown, 'tis hard to rise. 
With capital gone, no effort tries, 
AVhile business schemers hate to trust 
A man in business who's had to bust. 

Although with some a lesson learn. 
By misfortune their futures turn; 
In a cautious wa}' they'll start again. 
With small beginnings they'll make a win. 

But such a case is very rare, 
Like a drowning man to save his hair; 
While some will try, but still they're broke, 
Like a balky ox to turn his 3^oke. 



TO YOUNG MEN. 



Choose some honest occupation, 
And with energy push ahead. 

Until you find a higher station; 

With lines to plum you've got the lead. 

Concentration you should know; 

Whate'er you do, have it right, 
x\nd never mix to make a show. 

But once in focus you'll see the light. 



TO YOUNG MEN. 73 

With all industry you'll gain the point, 
Whatever calling 3^ou may choose ; 

Like master mechanic lays his joint, 

The rougher the stone, the more he hews. 

Education enlightens the mind ; 

All to know and understand; 
With books and practice you will find 

The best to know for such demand. 

And then, to prove the way is sure, 

For arts and science you've got the key; 

If medicines you give, you want a cure; 
Without a doubt you'll know and see. 

I've written this with a view to profit 
The young, to hold a better docket. 
And then, the old, with a word of cheer. 
Advancing in life, the grave is near. 



While thoughts of dread hang o'er then^ mind 

If willed for heaven, God has signed 
A peaceful rest for thy soul. 
And life eternal crowns the whole. 




MOTHER'S HOME AND I. 



TO MADAM BAKER. 



Madam Baker, I heard you talk 

Of mother's home and I, 
While ere in muse I had a thought 

In mind to weave a sigh. 

That love for mother — w^ho can tell? 

A child with heart so kind, 
In life youVe lived so long to dwell, 

Their age is now consigned. , 

The frost of years is turning gray 
The hair, with wrinkled face. 

Then soon we'll know, for time will say 
No lines ahead to trace. 



The aged one has reached the goal, 
'Tis now to part with thee; 

God has said, 'T want her soul 

In heaven to come with me.'' ' 



MOTHER'S HOME AND I. ' 75 

Now to daughter it seems so sad, 

Mother and thee must part; 
Her hope in Christ should make thee glad, 

His seal is on her heart. 

Then you alone through life must walk, 
With thoughts of mother's home, 

While friends you meet console and talk, 
With o;rief there comes a moan. 

Mother's home and I, you think. 

Those many sunny hours, 
Struggles and trials youVe had to link 

With all your might and powers. 

Then calm, with comfort, brings you peace 
When storms of rage are over; 

Yet for this life we hold no lease, 

While e'er we've been the rover. 

It's now to think, and then to look. 

So much for us to do; 
In God's vineyard they keep the book 

With all the records true. 

To know the way, and do it not, 
With many stripes we're beat; 

No one can say they had forgot, 
Their master tryino^ to cheat. 



76 POEMS. 

It's all so plain to understand, 
A child can look and know 

The holy precepts of God's command; 
E'en Jesus himself did go. 

When port is safe the light will show; 

If mother's gone before, 
Her spirit will come so you will know 

She's on the other shore. 

No one here can live alwa}', 

A change will come for all; 

Why should we think or ask to stay. 
When Christ and ansfels call.^ 



ROBERT FULTON, FITCH, AND RUMSEY, 



FOR STEAMBOATS. 



Robert Fulton, Fitch, and Rumsey, 
For steam propelling, though rather clumsy; 
But, nevertheless, to the world they've proved 
That power for vessels on oceans has moved. 

When they began, 'twas laugh and scorn, 
B}^ the wise and learned, for Furies born; 
Dionysius, Landinar, and others. 
Put them down with craz}' mothers. 



ROBERT FULTON, FITCH, AND RUMSEY. 77 

These men of learning showed by science, 
For art and skill, 'twould bid defiance; 
For such an such could not be done, 
By boiling water make vessels run. 

The element in which the}^ had to float, 
Water made steam to push the boat ; 
'Twas bosh and folly for men to talk! 
But Fulton kept working, and let them mock. 

When read}'' he got his boat and all, 
To scoffers and skeptics he did call: 
" Just get on board, and I will prove 
This boat on water by steam I'll move. 

And, sure enough, when valves he turned, 
The steam would hiss, while wood he burned : 
He fired her up, and the steam increased, 
Then splash went wheels, but hadn't greased. 

So he kept tinkering and oiling grooves, 
Soon, all astonished, his boat it moves! 
Then up the Hudson he coursed his way, 
Until he landed at old Albany. 

Thousands of people stood on the shores, 
From banks, from dwellings, from shops, and 

stores; 
It was a m3^ster3^ they could 'nt solve, 
AVhile mind and thought it did involve. , 



78 POEMS. 

But now it's plain, with science wrought. 
No more a mystery, involving thought; 
Around the world this power can go, 
And we can ride to see the show. 



THE DEVELOPMENT OF PICTURES. 



That Frenchman, Daguerre, with art to fill. 
The light of the sun he sought with skill; 
Pictures to make his art would show. 
No paint or pencil could do it so. 

And so exact it would be, 

Your friend in likeness there to see; 

But since that time it has advanced. 

The art improved, they'v^e sought the chance. 

For skill to show the photograph, 
AVhile now so perfect with a smile or laugh; 
With such experience and so complete. 
No painter's art could do so neat. 

At first were called daguerreotypes. 
The inventor's name who used the lights; 
But now we know the electric spark 
Pictures can make when all is dark. 




A POEM ON LIFE. 



I often think, what is Hfe? 
While here to Hve with all the strife; 
For troubles and trials we must endure, 
If peace hereafter we would procure. 

Although with doubts we journey on, 
Seeking for pleasures, we get so fond, 
Our mind's absorbed on earthl}^ things, 
Ere death with summons our life it stings. 

It's now to think, and try to know. 
The best to do, for the right to go. 
We see the ways and acts of men. 
Some with their millions, and what then? 



Die the}^ must, the same as we. 
Their wealth is left; they cannot see, 
With all display it's now behind. 
For a life to come 'twas not designed. 



8o POEMS. 



But how to ask, the right to know, 

And how to choose the way to do; 

The Bible says the spirit will show 

Intuitive monitors to lead us throusfh. 

If not all right, conscience will tell 

Impulsive nature to stop and hark; 

Her bounds of reason to show it will, 

A mind that's willing can see the mark. 

With a love to do as conscience directs. 
That still, small voice with whisper expects 
We'll stop to listen, know and see, 
If the way is right and the course is free. 

The question now: What is our work? 

Is it to toil and drudge for life? 
And wealth to gain, or ere to shirk? 

Our bodies must feed for the physical 
strife. 

Nature's wants we must suppl}^, 

And then to help our brother man; 
With all to do, we can't den}^, 

Them to help we sure should plan. 

And then, with conscience, it is to love j 

Thy neighbor, to do as thou wouldst have 

Him do to thee; by the powers above. 
What happy thoughts, a soul to save. 



A POEM ON LIFE. 8i 

So, " Blessed are the poor in spirit," 
For God to see and heaven inherit. 
"Blessed are 3^e when men revile you,'' 
Christ has said, your faith renews. 

Our minds and thoughts to get in train 
For higher and holier points of aim, 
Discard the low^ and groveling scenes, 
With all such temptings guard the means. 

Our minds can feed on thoughts sublime, 
With a glimpse of heaven, they w^ould chime; 
Then happy w^e'll go on the journey of life, 
E'en death may come to part the strife. 

I see so many planning to live 
As though from here they would never leave; 
Their stately mansions they have adorned, 
Yet a life to come they'll treat with scorn. 

I often think, prepare to die. 
Our mind with thoughts we should apply; 
It seems to be the laws of nature. 
With all the living and every creature. 

We know it's so, and can't be changed ; 
Then live to die, thy soul to range. 
For God and heaven with saints to go 
Where peace and rest forever flow. 




THE RECEPTION OF A KINDRED FRIEND. 



A kindred friend, so good to come, 
With heart and soul to join our home; 
Impulsive love has bound her ties, 
From a youthful lad she gets replies. 

While so alone, no parents to love, 
But they're in heaven to rest above; 
Hence to seek some genial soul, 
Like drops of w^ater to blend the whole. 

In friendship bloom the flower will show. 
Those early seeds did sprout and grow; 
With root and branch, like a mighty oak, 
Mind impressed, and conscience spoke. 

Yet, years and years have rolled between, 
And now with thoughts to look and glean 
From the past but sunny days. 
The bo}^ and lad enjoyed his plays. 



THE RECEPTION OF A KINDRED FRIEND. 

With time revolving 'tv^ill all mature, 
To ripen life with age so sure; 
Now to the man he holds his claim, 
To walk with virtue he's got the main. 

We're proud to know such a friend, 
With a yearning heart he will attend; 
With love and counsel to advise, 
For a happy future the cord he ties. 

'Tis soul-rejoicing to blend together, 
Cono^enial friends should never sever; 
When age matures to silver o'er, 
Then a pilot friend we can adore. 

Life to some is full of sorrow — 
Half is real, and half they borrow ; — 
Full of rocks and full of ledges, 
Corners sharp and jutting edges. 

Though the joy-bells may be ringing, 
Not a song you hear them singing; 
Seeing never makes them wise. 
Looking out from downcast eyes. 

All in vain the sun is shining. 
Water's sparkle, blossom's twining; 
They but see through these some sorrows. 
Sad to-days and worse to-morrows. 



S4 POEMS. 

See the clouds that must pass over, 
See the weeds among the clover; 
Everything and anything, 
But the gold and sunbeams bring. 

Drinking from the bitter fountain, 
Lo! yowx mole-hill seems a mountain. 
Drops of dew and drops of rain, 
Swell into the mighty main. 



REFLECTING THOUGHTS. 



I often think why I am here! 

All alone, the last one left! 
No one to speak a word of cheer, 

If e^er so gloomy, or hope bereft. 

Sometimes with thoughts my heart feels sad; 

No wife, no brothers, nor sisters, to say 
A cheering word to make me glad. 

But here alone with musings stay. 

When back I look, on brighter scenes 
Of happy days and happ)^ hours; 

Then nightly visions I see in dreams, 

A cottage and garden with all its flowers 



THE RECEPTION OE A KEYDRED FRIEND. S^ 



Then, friends and mates I used to know, 
To meet and talk, again it seemed 

I was. with them, I thought to go, 

But again too weak, 'twas that I dreamed. 

There's many and many a loving friend, 
Who's passed away, that I did know; 

To a world they've gone which hath no end. 
When back I look the blank will show. 

Now, the question. Why are you left? 

The same to answer, I cannot tell! 
God only knows, who gives me breath; 

I hope in future with good to dwell. 

My past and present life has changed ; 

Those sunny spots that shone so bright 
In memory's thoughts the mind has ranged, 

When all was gay with such delight. 

Three-score years have passed aw^ay. 

With ups and downs in life to show; 

And still with courage I now can say: 

My future work the world shall know. 

With deeds and acts, I hope for good, 

That they may learn to shun the bad ; 

By the help of God I know I could. 

For there I've been with a heart so sad. 



86 POEMS. 



But now, I see another star, 

Its brilliant light is ever shining ; 

To light the way you'll see afar. 

Although our lives may be declining. 

Let me now a thought impress; 

Whatever you do with conscience look 
To weigh it well, more or less, 

Then straight to go without a crook. 

These are facts that I have proved. 
Without fail, it's never missed; 

A line to start 3^ou've got it grooved. 
No knot nor kink to have a twist. 



We use these figures to make it plain. 
So all can see and understand; 

With half a mind of any brain. 

They're on a rock, instead of sand. 

And then, to build a tower of fame, 
While e'er you live to uphold the same; 
And when you die you've conquered foes, 
To bloom in heaven like a rose. 




^ c^(M^^^ 




CONSOLING THE MOTHER ON THE DEATH OF 
A LITTLE DAUGHTER. 



Stricken mother, cease thy weeping, 
Lift thy thoughts above the sod; 

Though thy httle one is sleeping, 
Yet her spirit is with God." 

Gone before her, thou hast others 

Numbered with that angel band 

She has joined her little brothers 
In the far-off spirit land. 

She was far too bright a jewel 

For the sullied realms of earth; 

Though you thought it almost cruel, 
Hers is now a holier birth. 



SS POEMS. 

Angels watched the plant so tender, 
Nurtured it with gentle care; 

For the}^ knew that soon up 3'onder, 
It would bloom in beauty there. 

Now, though waves of grief roll o'er thee, 
Dry thy tears and try to smile, 

Lilly's only gone before thee. 
For a very little while. 

She has joined the saints' communion, 
iVnd now, upon the golden shore, 

They have met in heavenly union, 

Those loved ones will part no more. 



DENTISTRY AS A SCIENCE. 



The dental science we can't forget. 
While in the mouth good teeth they set; 
Professions all, to look them through. 
The dentist doctor can help you chew. 

With teeth exact, and pearl}' white. 
Then crust the hardest you can bite, 
And masticate all kinds of food; 
For life and health those teeth are good. 



DENTISTRY AS A SCIENCE. Sg 

On plates they're set, so firm to hold, 
From patterns made in mouth the}' '11 mold : 
And so exact each one is set, 
Like natural teeth to chew they'll fit. 

No aches nor pains with such to pull, 
But brush and clean is the rule; 
With such a science some years ago, 
They wouldn't stop to let you show. 

But now it's changed, no one will say 
But dentist doctors can have their way; 
'Tis now essential for life and health. 
Good teeth to chew are more than wealth. 

No grunt and growl with aching teeth. 
While dentists' skill can give relief; 
To blunt the nerve or teeth extract. 
Then plug and fill, they do exact. 

Without good teeth, dyspepsia comes, 
No one can chew with stumps or gums ; 
While teeth are cheap and last for life. 
Get yourself a set and then your wife. 




J? 
'^'^r:!^ 





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: BBBBEBBBEBBBBBB,'' '^ 




DANIEL WEBSTER, 



THE WORLD S ORATOR. 



We now will take Daniel Webster, 
Who when a boy was called a lubber, 
And chums at school would poke their fun, 
But soon to him for knowledge they'd run. 

B}^ diligent study he soared above. 
And thus he gained the teacher's love; 
While prompt he was in recitations. 
He'd answer for class with explanations. 

But look, and see where he rose! 
The world's orator, his language shows; 
Hence he was called the national roarer, 
When in con^rress he took the floor. 



His voice would roar, like peals of thunder, 
For the people's good, and the greatest 

number ; 
Hence, we cannot judge the boy. 
While marbles he plays, or jingles the toy. 



MORSE A AW EDISON. 



91 



But a little prompting will start him in, 
If faint he gets, he'll climb again; 
So, then, important to watch the trait. 
Force and character, to get it straight. 

'Tis here we see in earl}^ youth. 

With education and manly growth; 

If skilled b}^ nature, the genius will show. 

While thoughts are delving with mind to grow. 

With an early start the mind is bright. 
And read}' to learn, they take delight; 
While in the class an emulation 
To get ahead with explanation. 



MORSE AND EDISON. 



Like Morse and Edison, their wires have 

strung. 
Thoughts communing, the world can tongue 
With dots and dashes, they started out, 
Now telephoning has got the route. 

And thus to speak, as ear to ear. 
Some hundreds of miles, voices hear; 
While under the ocean, the cable's wire 
Your thoughts can send with lightning fire. 



92 



POEMS. 

'Tis strange to know these men of skill 
A baby's cradle once did fill; 
Aspiring genius lit up their minds, 
When grown vip men the electric shines. 

The thought a wonder, and yet sublime, 
To look all o'er, and see the line 
Around the world; the thought of all 
Is as one we now could call. 

From world to world our thoughts can fly, 
As though on wings and shod with Are 

That wildest terror of stormy sk}^ 

Rides down and o'er the sunken wire, 

From clime to clime, from shore to shore, 
Shall thrill the magic thread ; 

The new Promethus steals once more 
The fire that wakes the dead. 

Earth, gray with age, shall hear the strain 
Which o'er her childhood rolled; 

For her the morning stars again 
Shall sing their song of old. 




THE OLD STAGE COACH AND PALACE CARS. 



The time was once an old stage coach 
When to travel, 'twas hitch, and hitch; 
Some thirty or forty miles a day 
Was about their speed, if no delay. 

But, look 3^ou now, to our palace cars ! 
Like parlors, adorned with easy chairs; 
Some thirt}' or fort}^ miles per hour. 
While hundreds are but a pleasant tour. 

On the land we'll take the train. 
If ocean to cross, 'tis then to sail; 
But here we find a different power. 
Steam propelling o'er twenty per hour. 

When I was a lad, canals were great. 
And people would ride from every State; 
The packet boat was just the thing. 
For pleasure and travel, scores 'twould bring 



94 POEMS. 

Five miles an hour was about their speed, 
With hues and horses, to pull and lead; 
But so much time the cars would save. 
They left the boat upon the wave. 

The mind of man can hardly grasp 
Of all inventions from first to last; 
For thousands and thousands now behold, 
From genius and labor the work has told. 



The age in which weVe passing through, 
By invention's marked, great and new; 
In my day and time, alone. 
Steamboats, railroads, telegraph,and telephone. 



MOZART'S MUSICAL ASPIRATIONS. 

'Tis only a glance of arts to name. 
Of all the science and all the fame ; 
But here we see what thrills the soul, 
Musical harmony from genius 'twill roll. 

And so it was with a Mozart; 
For music inspired, he commenced his start. 
With mind and soul beyond all stations, 
Infused by nature his aspirations. 



ELIHU BURRITT. 95 

For genius and skill he was admired, 
By inspiration he seemed inspired; 
We ne'er could find one to-day, 
A musical Mozart thus to say. 

Whose mind and soul was so sublime, 
With musical science they would chime; 
And yet he was, like all the rest, 
A nursing babe from his mother's breast. 

But prompting nature his skill foretold. 
That music was thrilling from his soul ; 
And so with all inspiring minds. 
If soul's imbued, it radiant shines. 



ELIHU BURRITT, 

WHO SPOKE SIXTY DIALECTS. 



With music or language, 'tis all the same, 
Like the learned Burritt's towering fame; 
Although a smith in iron he wrought, 
To labor and study, himself he taught. 

As a Hnguist he soared above them all ; 
And yet he was but a babe when small. 
Some sixty dialects fluently he spoke. 
Translate and read, with all he'd cope. 



96 POEMS, 

We'd hardly believe unless we knew, 
Of Elihu Burritt, the same was true; - 
His life and history shows the same, 
While he is dead, there lives his fame. 

Impossible 'twould seem to a common mind. 
That man could work, retain, and find, 
The powers of thought to hold and keep 
Such stores of knowledge all complete. 

We hardly know the powers of thought. 
With mind and skill the way is wrought; 
Concentration with aim is higher, 
Then thoughts to soar they will aspire. 



THE HARDENED MISER'S RICHES AND GAIN. 



But most of all, we see the strife 
For gain and riches all through life; 
As though they were to live forever, 
And links of life could never sever. 

Their millions and millions, hoarded up, 
With deeper delving to fill the cup ; 
But when death's message calls aloud. 
They'd hardly thought of their shroud. 



THE HARDENED MISER. 97 

With all such misers for riches and gain, 
If cars for heaven, they'd lose the train; 
While all so eager for glittering gold, 
Forget their never-dying soul. 

But if the people would think and do, 
What God has taught to be true. 
With all to deal honest and right, 
And share with burdens, if heavy or light. 

Want and suffering we scarce would know 
While God provides for all below; 
Food for man, and food for beast, 
If all were honest we'd share the feast. 

But here we find those hardened misers, 
They're all for wealth, with soul devisers; 
No matter where nor how obtained, 
Schemes devising, they'll search their brain. 

'Tis now discord and poverty 
With many of the human family; 
But God intended an equal chance. 
In life be right and souls enhance. 

Thus, by His wisdom, three-score and ten, 
For souls to ripen, has allotted to men; 
So then develop for the golden age. 
With life befitting for the upper stage. 



V5o 




JENNY LIND AND ANNA DICKINSON, 

THE SWEDEN SONGSTRESS, AND THE AMERICAN ORATRESS. 



Jenny Lind, the Sweden songstress, 
While world-renowned, was counted best; 
The gift of nature made its showing, 
And thus developed, she kept it growing. 

Although her parents were laborers poor, 
Her voice for music with keys could soar; 
Even to the highest pitch in notes. 
Like birds that warbled with open throats. 



This gift of nature a fortune brought. 
And still her name is not forgot; 
As an equal they haven't found 
A voice with trills to get the sound. 

But now with age she's passed away; 
While for singing they'll talk and say. 
Like all for genius their lights will show. 
But ripened years will strike the blow. 



GOD'S DESIGN. 09 

So, Anna Dickinson, whose oratorical power 
Her audience will hold hour b}' hour; 
With such a language, she can explain 
Those ideal thoughts she's kept in train. 

Such great aspirants, like stars the}' shine, 
When stage they've left, they're marked 

with time; 
Their acts impressed, our minds will hold. 
From parents to child it will be told. 



GOD'S DESIGN, BUT MAN'S TRANSGRESSION. 



Oh, man! if God has so designed 
Such gifts of knowledge with soul combined, 
Why will 3'e go in that wicked way, 
Debauch yourself with drink to sway "i 

It rends the hearts of wives and mothers, 
Also children, sisters and brothers; 
Your intellect to blight and blast. 
Then down to perdition you go at last. 

You know it's true, as well as I, 
So now reform — a change try, — 
And soon you'll see where you stood, 
When the man returns who once was good. 



D POEMS. 

Ye sons and daughters of Adam's race, 
Do not th}^ life with sin disgrace; 
But set your Hght before the world, 
To live all right and win the pearl. 

Character and habits of different men, 
'Twould be impossible for us to pen; 
But, still, astonished with what we know, 
Their acts and deeds the same will show. 

The high and low, from peasant to king. 
Or army commanders, battles to bring; 
Lawyers for justice should plead for right, 
The doctors of physic should cure with might. 

Not only the men, but women have thoughts, 
Yet not in skill nor battles they've fought; 
But foster mothers to rear a son. 
From whom those mighty men hath come. 

Hence woman, the mother of all the race. 
And stands behind the leader's trace. 
While so monarchies have made her queen. 
Which birth-right gives to let her reign. 



--^M-*^-^-^- 




MRS. HEMANS, 

THE FLOWERY POETESS. 



Mrs. Heman's beautiful poems 
Are so sublime, they make amends; 
When souls are wear}' of the stormy main,. 
Can read to cheer the heart and brain. 

If, tired and lonely, despondent with gloom. 
Then dark forebodings, they'll see the tomb, 
A poem of life like light to shine. 
While such is penned to read in rhj'me. 

A saddened heart 'twill surely cheer, 
And dr}^ the cheeks from every tear; 
As poets have said in days of yore. 
Thoughts sublime were written by Moore. 

'Twas not the rhyme that made the poet. 
But thoughts construed and deeply set; 
Hence we hnd in Mrs. Hemans 
Thrilling thoughts to the heart it sends. 



J ^ POEMS. 

The flowery poetess we well could call 
But yet a babe when she was small; 
While talent is like the meal to leaven, 
'Twill rise and shine like stars in heaven. 

If trained in spheres with order high, 
Like a crystal spring, 'twill ne'er run dry; 
But, bubbling up from the mountain top, 
Its onward course you cannot stop. 

For beauties of nature the mind will soar 
And glean from all, she gets a store 
From the starry heaven or garden of flowers, 
Thouo:hts will travel to find the bowers. 

Then sun and moon, or air we breathe, 
So wild the forest with trees and leaf; 
To a poet mipd those beauties show. 
Like plants with culture they're made to grow. 








^^-^«^ - r. «• 



NOBILITY AND WEALTH. 



Nobility and wealth ! what all, but show. 
When message death sa3^s thou must go? 
For millions and millions he'll never stay, 
But cancels life without delay. 



Go, then, you rich, weep and howl ! 
Upon honest poor 3'ou'd always scowd; 
With grand display, 'twas all a show, 
Like shadows to flicker, but vanish and go. 

We read the parable of Dives, the rich. 
Refusing Lazarus the crumbs and such; 
But when he died — oh ! hear him complain,- 
His tongue was burning with intense pain. 



I04 POEMS. 

'' For a drop of water send Lazarus, pray,"" 
To God in heaven he was heard to say; 
" My parched tongue I want to cool, 
My earthly riches made me a fool. 

"- To refuse that man so poor, 
I didn't think of the other shore; 
I ere would want a pass for port, 
For all the luxuries I then could sport. 

"But now I see the great mistake. 
While in this torment I am awake. 
Fortunes of earth to covet and crave, 
Are no good beyond the grave." 

God of heaven, who rules below. 

Out of the earth has caused to grow 

Food and water for life's repair; 

If all were honest such comforts we'd share. 

You men of wealth or hoarded gain. 
What think you of heaven's train .^ 
No glittering gold nor dashing show 
For checks or tickets will ever go. 

^^ Then, how," say the}^, " shall we get 

through.^" 
just think of Jesus, who taught the Jew 
To give away what all he had, 
And make the hearts of the poorest glad. 



THE POE TS B YRON AND B URNS. r 

•'Then follow me," said he to them, 
''Holy and righteous before all men"; 
If so for sure, your checks will pass. 
When sealed for heaven they'll always last. 

Then pain and anguish will lose its sting, 
While angels' harps with music ring; 
No trials nor troubles to make us weep, 
But a calm repose, in Jesus we sleep. 



THE POETS BYRON AND BURNS. 



Bvron and Burns were babes also, 
Yet poets profound in years did show; 
Intuitive nature impresses such minds. 
Their ideal thoughts to turn to rhymes. 

And thus developed, with age matured. 
Aspiring thoughts those minds procured; 
Productions great astonished the world. 
Once infant minds, but time has hurled. 

We read and ponder o'er and o'er. 
Where Byron and Burns with love did soar 
Their minds and souls like a brooklet rill, 
With music running, the hearts could fill, 



io6 POEMS. 

The infant child, Hke a httle plant, 
If reared with culture, there's no recant; 
Its buds will blossom with fruit to grow, 
While mind expands her stores will show. 

With brilliant radiance her light will shine,. 
While all can see there was design. 
By their Creator a mission wrought, 
Such minds to feed sublim.e with thought. 

Those men so great for their time. 
From infant marks show the line; 
As age matures the mind expands, 
Impressions made for all demands. 

From books or men, and from Nature's store, 
To glean from all they've got to score, 
Their minds to ripen in spheres to act. 
Such marks are left in book or tract. 

Goldsmith, Addison, and Pope, were poets; 
Wise they were, and wisdom show it. 
Their books and tracts are left to read, 
While youthful minds on such can feed. 





THE FRICTION MATCH. 



Inventions great we might call, 
And none so useful to one and all; 
It's just a scratch and it will light 
Your fire to burn, lamp, or pipe. 

Of all inventions that were ever planned, 
We think of none of more demand! 
Carry in pocket or safe the same, 
With a friction scratch 'tis all aflame. 



Think now and then of olden times. 

To light their Are 'twas punk and flint 

Then steel to strike, so sparks would shine. 
To light the punk or tinder lint. 

Inventions all, to trace them through. 
For world at large they couldn't do, 
A more convenient, and ready at hand, 
Than friction matches as now they stand. 



io8 POEMS. 

And yet they cause such a great desire, 
For the largest of cities they'll set on fire; 
The wicked venders can touch the match, 
'Tis then ablaze with just a scratch. 

New York and Boston, Chicago the same, 
With a little breeze, and all's a flame, 
While millions of property all consume. 
From a tiny spark flames illume. 

And so, beyond human control, 
That fire fiend burnt ashes and coal, 
Those cities were laid in desolate waste. 
The vilest of hands the deed could trace. 

But look you now to the dynamite, 
Invented by man to wrench his spite, 
To burst or blow up mammoth blocks, 
While earth will quake beneath its shock. 

Lives and property will thus destroy. 
Spite with vengeance they do annoy, 
The nation of earth with such to deal, 
Courts of justice have no appeal. 

Nor gallows to hang until they die, 
But put on dynamite and let them fly, 
A few examples would strike a dread, 
No more for dynamite you hear it said. 




MAN'S ABUSE TO THE NOBLE HORSE. 



Don't abuse that noble horse, 
'Tis cruel and brutal to even endorse, 
He'll go when bid at 3^our command. 
To pull the loads and plough the land. 

But for all he's whipped and beat, 
And scarcely half enough to eat, 
And yet obedient to the wicked man, 
Beware thy future, for God will plan. 

No animal that lives is more abused. 
Yet so kind when well they're used; 
See how they're driven to foam and sweat, 
When hired from stables where they're let. 



) POEMS. 

Cruel man, can you but think 
They're void of all, no animal instinct, 
No sense of feeling nor remorse? 
But whip him up, old plugg}^ horse. 

How oft we see them hitched to a post, 
Cold or hot, freeze or roast, 
With chills of winter to shiver and shake, 
But driver in saloon is having a wake. 

Exposed without a blanket to cover. 
Hour upon hour you may discover. 
While driven for miles all sweat and heat, 
And not a spear of hay to eat, 

They'll spend their money for whiskey drams. 
But horse must starve till home he lands; 
We hope the laws they will invoke, 
For horses' abuse as the people spoke. 

Then execute when ere they're caught. 
For animal abuse right on the spot; 
No court of justice would ere endorse 
Such cruel treatment to the noble horse. 





RAILROADS AND CARS. 



The world, as it were, now bound with rails 
Of iron and steel that never fail ; 
Most ever country, state or clime 
For cars and roads have s^ot their line. 



& 



No journeys to dread, if ever so far, 
But just get ready and take the car; 
Such inventions the genius of man 
With education construct and plan. 

But, strange to think, from an infant grew 
Those mighty men for inventions new; 
That wonderful structure for pulling trains, 
Devised and planned by men of brains. 

An iron-horse with hissing steam, 

To course its way with whistling scream; 

Then clear the track and get away, 

With lightning speed they've got the sway. 



2 POEMS. 

That man Stephenson, who laid the track 
For the iron-horse to go and back, 
Has left a star upon his name, 
As a great inventor he'll hold the fame. 

While time doth last the world can see, 
The cars are rolling from sea to sea; 
Hence great Atlantic and Pacific coast 
For cars and roads they now can boast. 

To freight by water, or freight by land. 
The cars can bring for a quicker demand; 
We find these roads in the West so far, 
For cattle or produce they'll get a car. 

And ship to market for a ready sale, — 
New York or Boston, — it goes by rail. 
Those countries with roads are coming up, 
And lands are selling on the jump. 

They've got a market all the way. 
The cars can take their corn or hay. 
Pork or cattle, it's just the same. 
Get them ready for the train. 

But years ago, you hear them tell, 
Whate'er they raised they couldn't sell. 
And land for crops was so productive, 
Then hard they struggled so to live. 



GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT. 113. 

These cars and roads for the West, 
Are now a boom for their country blest; 
While life and spur it gives to biz, 
To turn they can without a miss. 

The nineteenth century's great invention,. 
Is cars and roads, as they run; 
Also for speed and transportation 
They stand ahead in every nation. 



GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT. 



The gas was once a champion light. 
But now electric makes day of night, 
With a radiant brilliance that little spark. 
Can light the world if e'er so dark. 

Oil is flowing from the bowels of earth, 
'Twill comfort the home and light the heart;: 
The great Creator has so designed 
Those gifts of nature for man to find 

While thus to man he has impressed 

Such minds to search they cannot rest, 

And so for minerals as well as oils, 

The earth they'll probe for the precious spoils.. 



]I4 POEMS. 

Gold and silver or diamonds rare, 
Through earth and rocks away they'll tear. 
Sometimes in rocks they'll hnd the gem, 
To crack and crush they'll get it then. 

Those precious gifts God has left. 
For man to find He knows Himself, 
Like dews from heaven on branches fall, 
To gladden the hearts of one and all. 

Industrious men by v/ork and art, 
This once a wilderness have turned the mart ; 
Flourishing cities from a howling wild. 
Our fathers have left for many a child. 



They've felled the forest and laid the pier, 
Then conquered their foes and left us here; 
We see and know such is the case, 
While all in progress with a rapid pace. 

Those men have had their day and time, 
With rule and compass they've kept the line, 
With marks to point we see so plain. 
Hence schools for thought our minds can train. 

So now we have a stepping stone. 
On w^hich to build with science begun ; 
And now for progress we can't forbear, 
While men of genius are on the stair. 



OLE BULL AND PAGAN IN I. 

The wheels of time will always run, 
And worlds revolve around the sun, 
And yet progression is the w^ork of art. 
From God to man He doth impart. 



OLE BULL AND PAGANINI, 

UNRIVALED VIOLINISTS. 

Ole Bull was a world of wonder 
With bow and fiddle, they all would conjure 
For music rare, he showed his. skill; 
Where'er he went their halls would fill. 

A son of Norway, but poorly reared, 
While Nature taught the wa}' he steered; 
His mind and thoughts with music stored. 
Without a rival, he was implored. 

He'd make his viol in tones to speak, 
Like birds to warble with bills or beak ; 
While on one string he would execute 
Such tones, you'd think it was a flute. 

Then first and second he'd play in time. 
To sound like two his viol would chime; 
Indeed, he was a genius rare; 
But Paganini would nearly compare. 



ii6 POEMS. 



These two could pla}^ their vioHns 
For master pieces Hke brother twins; 
They've left the stage and bid adieu, 
While others may strive to hold the cue. 

But none as yet have ever aspired 
B}^ the world at large to be admired; 
Although there are many their bows can pull, 
But none to hear like an Ole Bull, 

Or a Paganini, they can't compete 

For music rare to sound so sweet; 

He was inspired without a doubt. 

While music with nature was cropping out. 



ADAM AND EVE. 



Father Adam was counted the hrst, 
From God created but never nursed, 
Such in Bible to us is taught, 
Adam a man from earth was ofot. 



fc) 



To live alone 'twas a dreary life. 
Then rib from Adam God made a wife, 
Created beings from here begun, 
For Mother Eve bore Cain her son. 



ADAM AND EVE. 

To trace it back, we'd hardly think 
Such phenomena with hfe could link, 
We can't conjecture the lirst great cause, 
For God created and made the laws. 

If here we stop, and then reflect. 
Back to God we go direct. 
The great Creator who made all plans, 
Worlds and seas, and then the lands. 

^Tis hard for man to comprehend. 
The laws of being, which God did send 
Into atoms, and into worlds, 
While planets revolve on axis whirls. 

We know but little be3'ond sphere, 
Of knowledge to see and then to hear. 
To go beyond our finite minds. 
The infinite beino^s have no desio-ns. 

So here we are, like worms that crawl, 
While God to man his image install 
The highest order of all created, 
So man to God must be related. 

Then Jesus comes, the mediator, 
God in flesh a testator. 
To suffer and die upon the cross. 
Ere soul of man should not be lost. 




THE FAMILY GROUP OF BOYS AND GIRLS, 



Here's a group, from seven to nine, 
Of boys and girls to stand in line; 
One head a little above another, 
A family circle wnth father and mother. 

If on a farm, each one could do 
Their share to help the parents through; 
If rightly reared, 'twould be a pleasure, 
They all v^ould work without much leisure. 

For the older ones begin to know, 
A trait for biz their minds will show; 
With care to do most every day, 
But still, they like to have some pla3\ 

These are the happiest days of life. 

For children and parents to hold the strife; 

If all is well, 'tis pleasing to see 

Their skipping around in playful glee. 



THE FA MIL V GROUP. i c ^ 

Sometimes they'll jangle to pull the haii% 
With a little spunk, they don't care; 
Their mad was up, they got so hot, 
But soon it's over and all forgot. 

They ne'er will tell father or mother ^ 
Or lisp a word about each other, 
But hush it up so they won't know. 
Then when at home nothing will show. 

With such a group we must expect 
Now and then a little wreck; 
But happy to say, it doesn't last, 
It's a little breeze, and then it's past. 

If parents do right, 'twill hardly occur^ 
For good examples they would prefer; 
The older ones would sa}' and do, 
"Pa and Ma have told us true." 

'^We mustn't do this or needn't do that,'' 
And many's the time they'll have a spat: 
If one don't mind the others will say, 
'' Pa and Ma will give you tray." 

Those groups to see, I've often thought. 
When going to school they're on the trot; 
For education they're bound to get, 
While minds are keen they're full of grit. 



I20 POEMS. 

So soon they'll grow to men and women, 
For read}' action they've got their trimming; 
Then out they'll go, one by one, 
Sometimes a daughter, sometimes a son. 

To take their chances as they go, 

Then off to the West the first you know; 

They are scattering here and there. 

At father's home they've left their chair. 

That little group we once did see. 
And some were sitting on father's knee, 
All so happy around the board, 
Not one is left to plough the sward. 

It seems so lonely, the parents are left, 
The children are gone, each one for self; 
And now declining with 3^ears to come. 
No daughter at home, neither a son. 

They've toiled so hard to keep and rear 
That little family they held so dear; 
Now all grown up and gone away, 
While parents are left alone to stay. 

And so it is with life to show. 

All are changing while here below ; 

But with life beyond the grave. 

No chancres there, for God will save. 



.as^' 




THE VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF CHRIST. 



The Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, 

Espoused of God without entice; 

So holy and pure was her life 

Ere patriarch Joseph took her to wife. 

She was God's choice from any other 
To be our holy Saviour's mother; 
For man's redemption he was born 
With flesh and blood, as a God to warn. 

And as a mediator between the two, 
So God the father and Son he could do; 
To plan and show, whereb}^ redeem, 
For sinful man it was their scheme. 

A star of east its light had smiled 

For the wisest of men to worship the child; 

Its light the}^ followed as a guide. 

While God by visions did so decide. 



122 • POEMS. 

His holy law man had broken, 
Then comes the Saviour with signs and token ; 
That holy mother with care had reared, 
By father's instructions the wa}^ he steered. 

The Infinite Father who rules and reigns. 
His laws were broken on earth's domains; 
And no redemption for fallen man, • 
Thus while in wisdom gave Son the plan. 

Then said Jesus to Father above, 
^' ril bear the cross for souls I love; 
Let me die that they may live. 
In heaven a home with saints to give." 

Oh! man of earth, why can't you love 
Jesus, the Saviour, who'll judge above? 
His life He gave for your remission, 
Now give your hearts with all contrition. 

Your souls to save He suffered and groaned, 
On Calvary's cross in agonies moaned; 
Midst jeers and scoffs He drank the gall, 
To suffer He must ere man should fall. 





THE DANDY FOP. 



What think you of a dandy fop? 
Dress and parade, and then they stop, 
For brains and sense they've got but little, 
Like grandma's peacock to play the fiddle. 

Their end and aim is outer show. 
Style for dress where e'er the}^ go; 
To talk to them on common sense, 
They're like a man astride the fence. 

To jump they can't either way. 

Or give an answer of what to sa}^. 

But dress in st3de, so trim to look; 

For keeping the fashions they carry a book. 

It takes them to make a world. 
While wheels of time have always whirled; 
They're like the drone to buzz and sing, 
With a silky fringe, it's on their wing. 



124 POEMS. 

Theaters and balls, style and dress, 
Fuss and fuss for nothing less, 
To make a show for dress parade, 
He's going to take a stylish maid. 

They call him bon, and sometimes ton. 
For what he's got, he's got it on; 
Sometimes he owes those little debts, 
To get you off, a trap he sets. 

To swing around with glove and cane. 
Like a million to take the train. 
Then dodge the corners and skip away. 
For fear 3'Ou'\ e come and want your pa}' 

So you see 'tis not the dress. 
To think a man does so possess 
Such lots of wealth at his command. 
But look at muscles and calloused hand. 

'Tis there to judge an honest face. 
For him to work 'tis no disgrace; 
If rough his clothes you musn't think, 
But what he buys he'll pay the chink. 





JESUS CHRIST, THE HOLY CHILD OF GOD. 



Jesus, the holy child of God, 
Was once a babe upon the sod; 
He lived and grew to be a man, 
As a gospel teacher Lie had the plan. 

Instructing all the ways to go, 

With righteous truth, the same could show 

Wonderful power for healing all. 

Both rich and poor, great or small. 

And, yea, He was even more! 

Healing the sick from door to door; 

A model from heaven now behold, 

His teachings are taught from pole to pole. 

But when we know His baby history, 
To all the world it seems a mystery; 
From Virgin Mary, behold His birth 
In manger cradled, 3'et see his worth. 



126 POEMS. 

If now we stop and think it o'er, 
That infant babe to a God did soar; 
But history the same to us has taught, 
Jesus, Emmanuel, the work has wrought. 

Suffered and died that all might live, 
And now in heaven a home will ofive; 
So, '' Trust and believe, lest you di#, 
On Jesus forever," is God's reply. 

'Tis then to live with this in view, 
Thy deeds in life all bright and true; 
With such examples the world can know, 
No chance for doubts to overthrow. 

''To my Father's house, come ye blessed, 

You'll find it all as I have said; 

The debt is paid for your souls, 

To watch and pray, with life it holds." 




v/f«Y\« 



mmm^^ 




CONSOLING THE CHRISTIANS. 



You people, itdw, who gather here 
To worship God without fear, 
Your hearts and souls in earnest prayer, 
Ere all might shun this worldly snare. 

I love to meet with christian friends, 
For God and heaven my hope depends; 
To talk for Christ, the Father's son. 
As a mediator for us is one. 



He suffered and died on Calvar3^'s cross. 
Ere souls of men should not be lost; 
Think ye not, we love to speak 
Of Him w4io bowed His head so meek.^ 



I2S POEMS. 

Then humbled Himself, in agony moans, 
To all redeem, 'twas crazed with groans; 
While now we know the way to do, 
'Tis Him to worship with hearts so true. 

In looking o'er this world of change. 
All is moving with life to range; 
The aged man with tottering show 
Proves to us he soon will go. 

The soul that's ripe the body won't keep, 
So God has called for death, a sleep, 
Ere bodily house will wither away, 
Thy soul to stop it cannot sta}^ 

Hence, God has said, "I'll take thee home, 
For me on earth thou stood'st alone; 
Thy faith in prayer I oft did see. 
So now for rest come unto me." 

Now, all you christians who thus believe 
On Christ who suffered for souls' retrieve, 
You can't but help to feel and love 
That precious friend who reigns above. 

This wealth of world's is but dross. 
Compared with souls that might be lost ; 
'Tis now to work for Father and Son, 
In God's vineyard, it's all in one. 



I,| ' " I'lfi...!' 




CONSOLING THE CHRISTIANS. 131 

Jesus keeps His Father's books, 
Recording time, to turn He looks, 
And credits ever}^ hour and day, 
If any have stopped or been away. 

Think ye, then, while here in life, 
Tempter to sway and hold the strife. 
Then all to love with beauty''s store. 
Ere bark to launch for Jordan's shore. 

The captain's ready when the pilot calls, 
Their line is marked above the falls; 
So now be sure and know your right. 
The signal seal is a golden light. 

Their bark is safe to carry all, 
O'er swelling tloods to rise and fall; 
Th^ captain knows the course so well, 
To ride the tide and billows' swell. 

He's carried millions b}^ the score. 
And still will carry millions more ; 
He never stops for storms or weather, 
Ere heaven's line nauofht can sever. 



The cable reaches to heaven's dome; 
Then saints to guide for God and home, 
Where peace and rest forever flow. 
And saints are comino- to and fro. 




A WARNING TO WHISKEY VENDERS. 



Oh, 3^ou wretched whiskey venders! 

Seek not thy brother^s overthrow; 
If money to you he tenders, 

That wife and children yon bring to woe, 

Then God to you will send a curse, 
For so he has on such declared; 

With conscience seared for money's lust, 
Your dying pillow will look more sad. 

I know of one who made his wealth 

By selling whiskey through the war; 

He then retired, but lost his health, 

'Tm wretched,"" said he, '^and know 
what for.*" 



A WARNING TO WHISKEY VENDERS. 133 

His mammoth blocks and stately mansions, 
With money in bank and goods in store. 

No boon of health with all his funds 

Could right his mind with conscience 
score. 



At times, so wild with howling rage. 

The neighbors, alarmed, would come to 
know; 

They'd find him in bed or walking the stage, 
Says he, "Good folks, why am I so?" 

I was called in council to see 

This very wretched, unhappy man; 

The doctor said, ^' It's puzzling me. 
His case to treat I ha\^e no plan." 

I then with doctor made a call; 

At his mansion all was gay. 
But a wretched man was on the fall, 

To sleep he couldn't, night or day. 

For stimulants was his greatest cry, 

Then draw his breath with such a groan ; 

*' Do give me some or I shall die," 

With a gasp for breath, he would moan. 
10 



134 POEMS. 

I watched with him three loneh^ nights. 

When in those spasms from bed he'd rise^ 
His hair would grasp in those phghts, 

For "Stimulants, stimulants!" was his. 
cries. 

Nervine and tonics, with stimulants mixed, 
To him I gave to quiet down; 

And then his bed, it must be fixed, 

" Now," said he, " Pll sleep so sound." 

He'd throw his arms around m}' neck, • 
"Now, snuggle to me," he said; 

" I know you now, my son Jack, 

I want the Bible, and have it read." 

Then Bible I got, with glasses to see; 

He looked at it, but couldn't read, 
His eyes were blurred, said I, " Let me, 

What passage, now, shall I read?" 

" Well, something about Jesus, the Son, 

Who died to save all the worst of men; 

Through His redemption they might come 
And sing to God His holy amen." 

But soon the spasms took him again. 
As wild as ever, he would rail; 

But still, the man was not insane, 

'Twas nerve contortions that made him 
wail. 



A WARNING TO WHISKEY VENDERS. 135 

Then to resist he'd try his best, 

But spasms would come in spite of all; 
With nerve convulsion he couldn't rest, 

Nothing but stimulants would meet his 
call. 

He said, " My darling, darling friend^ 
I'm worth o'er half a million; 

If peace and light God would send, 
Fd give it all, and, yea, a billion. 

"But, oh! rum's traffic! It frightens mcT 
All for money, I pushed it through ; 

I never drank so as to spree. 

But now and then, to keep me true. 

'' If now my life I could set back. 
With all the money in the land, 

I'd never follow my former track. 

If billions of wealth I could command. 

"What is money compared to peace? 

In middle life to have to die 
Without mere}' and God's free grace; 

I tell you, from heart it makes me sigh. 

'' Now, Doctor, dear, tell me true, 

If you're a christian, where can I go 

M}' soul to save; will the Saviour renew? 
Do tell me, pray, if you know.'' 



136 POEMS. 

You may imagine, I felt sad; 

This wretched man without a hope; 
To die, he must, such spasms had. 

For Hfe to come, no one had spoke. 

*^. Now, dear Doctor, will you promise. 

The world to warn against the traffic; 

Tell of me and the awful abyss. 

With God in judgment to afflict. 

^' Worlds upon worlds could not repay 

The loss and value of immortal souls. 

Now damned and sunk, day by day. 

For a little money no one controls. 

That holy and righteous law of God 

Says ' Cursed is he who putteth the bottle 

To his neighbor's mouth'; he shall feel the 
rod. 
In days of judgment the scale will tottle.'' 

This wretched man in a day or two 

Was no more here to tell; 
Death had come for life's adieu. 

He said to all, '' I'll go to hell. 

*' So tell them all I've signed away 

God's holy promise and love for me; 

Christ won't come with grace to-day." 

He says, "Unpardonable, I cannot see; 



THE TIPPLER'S DOOM. 137 

" But warn them all of my wretched course* 
Never no follow for wealth of worlds; 

With life to come they'll tind it worse, 

Their soul is lost for glittering pearls.'* 

Now here's enough to all convince, 

A man of wealth, his dying request 

On death's pillow, with reason, and sense; 
As a warning his last bequest. 

The summing up of life's accounts, 
With results the answer comes; 

To balance all death surmounts. 

This world no more to be our home. 



THE TIPPLER'S DOOM. 



Men and boys begin to tipple, 
Like brooks from hills, their winding ripple. 
Their onward march to the ocean's tide, 
That gulf beneath is gaping wide. 

Those little dams now and then. 
Destroy the boys and dethrone the men : 
Like brooks to river's increasing' flow. 
Their circling eddy is the gulf of woe. 



138 POEMS. 

They think a drunkard they ne'er shall be, 
Because the tippler does not spree; 
But stop, my friend, and pause awhile, 
Ere tippling drams will soon beguile. 

A drunken sot at first begins 

With little drams to lay his pins; 

Like bubbling springs from the mountain top, 

Its onward course 3^ou cannot stop. 

To flowing river 'twill make its way, 
Inebriation will have its sway; 
The man is dead, the boy is lost! 
Then mother's pride, her life it cost. 

His father died from the effects of rum. 
And left this boy, an only son; 
From moderate tippling you may expect. 
But now behold a perfect wreck. 

Two years ago from college came. 
With honors bright, he held his fame; 
But a taste he had for the wretched stuff. 
Then chum with drunkards if ever so rouo-h. 

And every day he'd haunt those dens. 

To drink and gamble, he said, with friends; 

Month after month passed away. 

Ere mother's pride would let her say, — 



THE TIPPLER' S DOOM. 141 

'' My son, I fear you're not all right, 
Or else at home 3^011 'd stay at night ;^ 
Why can't you stay and visit with me, 
Instead of going with those that spree ! 

''I fear 3'ou're on your father's tracks, 
With grief and sorrow my heart it racks; 
And when from home I see you go, 
My cup is filling to overflow. 

" Thinking of your father's wretched course, 
Your sta}nng so late makes it worse; 
His dying words was advice to }^ou. 
For fear his course 3'ou might pursue. 

'' I pra3^, dear son, now listen to me, 
And never go with those that spree; 
You know the3^ cannot be 3^our friend. 
Like me, 3^our mother, m3' aid will lend.'' 

But after all was said and done, 

John went off to have his fun, 

And meet those bums who urged him on. 

Drink after drink, his sense was gone. 

He went to the tavern to see a chum, 
And there the3' commenced to drink the rum; 
His chum was old and used to drink. 
While John was drunk ere he could think. 



J42 POEMS. 

Now home he starts, but rather late, 
With staggering pace, just watch his gait; 
At last he stumbles beside the road, 
The night was cold, and then it snowed. 

His mother woke late that nig^ht, 
She dreamed a dream that did affright; 
This son she saw in a shivering chill 
Beckoning to her from 3^onder hill. 

At earl}' morn, when she arose. 
Her son to see she did suppose; 
She felt so grieved, she could not eat, 
For John, her son, where did he sleep? 

But soon some men came up and said, 
" My good woman your son is dead; 
We found him down by yonder hill, 
Frozen stiff by the wintry chill." 

She gave a shriek and fell to the floor. 
Saying, "Let me die, my God, implore.'' 
Now by this fright the mother pined. 
In grief and anguish she's left behind. 

This awful shock her mind it wrecked, 
With gloom and sadness, you may expect; 
Before two months had rolled aw^ay, 
Her sands of life had turned to cla}^ 



THE TIPPLER' S DOOM. 143 

A lifeless corpse was this good mother, 
B}' grief of husband, son, and brother; 
'Tis thus you've heard the tippler's doom. 
But, alas, beware! beyond the tomb! 

For God in heaven has so declared, 
The drunkard's fate to be so sad; 
Even to die such an awful death. 
And then in torment forever left. 

Oh! now, good friend, can't you see. 
In inaddening folly there is no glee; 
The muscular man was paralyzed. 
Then down he fell never to rise. 

Then chilling winds of a northern blast, 
With life to hold, it couldn't last; 
Ere brain and blood to all congeal. 
In a torpid state, he couldn't feel. 

To know or think he'd got to die. 
But drunk with rum and there to lie; 
No sense or feeling ere could rally, 
But doomed to death in the darkest valley. 

What think you now, of such a fate.^ 
With life to come, it's then too late; 
Give sense and reason a sober thought. 
Then God will know you haven't forgot 



144 POEMS. 

His precious promise, while to live, 
And then in heaven a home he'll give, 
Worth more than world with all its pleasure, 
Eternal life no time can measure. 



THE COST OF RUM. 



Give me the gold that rum has cost, 
If estimates there could be made. 

For time that's wasted like money lost, 
And all that's spent in liquor trade. 

Then take the crimes that rum has cost. 
Count the trouble and expense. 

While thus to guard and keep the laws, 
To compound all 'twould be immense. 

We'd reckon back one hundred years. 
If such a problem could be done, 

To solve it as it now appears. 

Cost, and all that's spent for rum. 

Could figures but enumerate, 

'Twould be beyond what man could solve, 
Take it from its earliest state. 

Billions and trillions it would involve. 



THE COST OF RUM. 145 

We'll take our country to prove the rest, 

And this Centennial that's passed away, 
Mathematicians would find a test, 

. Their brains to rack b}' night and day. 

Then take the nations of the globe, 

To count the cost of ruin and crime, 

Where such a traffic is in vogue,- 

Count each one, and then combine. 

This sum to solve, the world 'twould call. 
To grasp the thought they'd hardly know, 

That cost in gold from nations all. 

With wealth our earth would overflow. 

Riches untold we'd have in store. 

To look and see that none should need; 
These tidings we'd echo from shore to shore, 

Not one should starve that we could feed. 

We then could buy each road of soil, 
In every yet discovered land, 

Where hunters roam, where peasants toil. 
Where man}' peopled cities stand. 

And then a home for all we'd find. 

With every comfort in all the land; 

But first the pledge we'd have it signed. 
This would be our main command. 



146 POEMS. 

Then clothe each shivering wretch on earth, 
In needful, yes, in brave attire; 

Vestures befitting banquet mirth, 

Which kings all might envy and admire. 

In every vale, on every plain, 

A school should glad the gazer's sight, 
Where every poor man's child might gain 

Pure knowledge, free as air and light. 

We'd build asylums for the poor. 

By age or ailment made forlorn. 

And none should thrust them from their door 
Or sting with words or looks of scorn. 

We link each alien hemisphere. 

Help honest men conquer wrong; 

Art, science, labor, nerve and cheer. 
Reward the poet for his song. 

In every crowded town should rise. 

Halls, academies amply graced, 
Where ignorance might soon be wise, 

And coarseness learn both art and taste. 

To every province should belong 

Collegiate structures, and not a few, 

Filled with a true exploring throng. 

And teachers of the good and true. 



THE COST OF RUM. 147 

No tramping men you then would find, 

Begging their bread from door to door, 

For the want of work of any kind, 

Now seeking rehef, the}^ must implore. 

We'd have our land with factories graced. 

And give employ to all who come, 
For every trade we'd have it placed, 

The wheels to roll with a busy hum. 

We'd banish rum from every land, 

' So woe and sorrow would not come; 
Then poor inebriate might hold command. 
With wife and children, a happy home. 

Jails and prisons would close their doors, 
And courts would cease and jurors 
retire, 

For men in peace their God implore, 

To make all happy they w^ould desire. 

May God of heaven speed the time, 

When men shall see and know rum's 
fault, 

And with their heart the pledge to sign, 

Then victor}^ won, the work is wrought. 



148 POEMS. 

Ye noble men with feeling hearts, 

Thy brother man thou must reclaim, 

He wants advnce ere he starts. 

And hands to help him on the train. 

When on the train with checks to pass, 
We see and know he started right; 

While on the road with life to last, 

Christ, the Saviour, will keep in sight. 







THE PARENT S NEGLECT. 



How oft we see that great neglect, 
Those parents with children should expect 
Something in nature will make a show, 
As mind gets strength impressed ^twill go. 

If daughters they have, it's music to learn, 
Pianos or organs, regardless of turn 
Of mind or tact; they have no skill, 
So them to teach 'twill be up hill. 

And so with sons, its just the same. 
They'll push them on, with wills to reign. 
And never ask regarding choice, 
'' I know the best, for I'm your boss." 



150 POEMS. 

The daughters grow up to womanhood^ 
And as for music they are no good, 
Nor even to make a loaf of bread, 
Nor do a washing, or make a bed. 

Idl}^ reared for music and dress. 
For street parade and nothing less; 
To paint and fuss with frizz and curls. 
Is about the wa}^ they rear their girls. 

But when they come to wed for wives, 
Husband and home, 'tis then she cries: 
" Domestic knowledge I never was taught^ 
While mother knew, but never thought 



" Domestic duties worth her while, 
But sought her best to rear in style; 
But style without some knowledge of life, 
Makes a worthless, helpless wife. 

The daughters now can see mistakes. 
Their Mas would make the pies and cakes; 
And now the task they've got to learn, 
If a farmer's wife, it's butter to churn. 

If servants in charge, she wants to know 
When all is right, the same will show; 
Her household duties, she's got the care. 
To take the lead here and there. 



THE PARENT' S NEGLECT. 151 

Mechanics or merchants, good wives to make^ 
Their baking of bread, pies and cake, 
With knowledge to know when all is right, 
'Twill please and relish with such delight. 

And even with bankers, they're pleased to say : 
''My wife is boss of the breaking da}' "; 
The richest of men like to boast. 
Their wives keep all so snug and close. 

Mind 3'ou, fathers, and mothers, too. 
Impulsive nature has left a clue; • 
Then watch the points, you'll see desire, 
A course to go the}' will admire. 

Although but children, 'tis cropping out. 
The age is fast you'llQhear them shout, 
" I w^ant to be this," or,/' I want to be that"; 
And yet so young, they begin to plat. 



For the coming future they've got a thought, 
Infused to reach for life to dot; 
You can't but help, if you'll but see, 
To boost them up, they'll climb the tree. 

And with success they'll hold the flag. 
While years to come on them you'll brag: 
If sons don't like the farmino; life, 
Don't push them on with an angry strife. 



152 



POEMS. 



Or any trade that you may choose, 
Consult their minds and get their views; 
They've got a project, and begin to plan 
It so and so, when they're a man. 

Then mark you well, 'tis best to try 
To let them choose, and ne'er deny; 
There's many a lad whose talent is lost. 
Because their parents have tried and bossed. 

I have a lad now in mind. 

All for science he was inclined; 

But still his father thought 'twas folly 

For him to think of geology. 

I lectured the father, and mother also, 
" Now let that boy to college go, 
If it takes your bottom dollar. 
In years to come you'll see a scholar/' 

And so it w^as, they're proud to know. 
When honored professor, he could show, 
For a western college they did engage. 
As junior professor he took the stage. 

His elder brother had a different turn. 
Behind the bar cigars would burn; 
Thus while the father thought he was right. 
For biz and money he took delight. 



THE PARENT'S NEGLECT. 15c 

I see some points in my own case, 
When a youthful lad my mind would trace ; 
The science of medicine I longed to know, 
And sought for books the same to show. 

But still, no prompter to help me on. 
Thus while I thought, by nature drawn; 
From whence this skill to man was taught? 
By whom, and where gets he the thought? 

I mean the first great starting point, 
From God and nature he's got the joint; 
His lines of search, let instinct tell, 
The brutes of earth, 'tis known full well. 

If sick with pain, they will resort 

To Nature's ♦ garden, and there will sort 

To find relief and get a cure; 

So red men watch and learn for sure. 

A proof by test, they've got the key. 
From animal instinct they know and see; 
Those ignorant Indians in forest wild, 
Without books or learning styled. 

They'll get a knowledge of root or herb, 
For sickening pains 'twill surely curb; 
And oft they'll come to white man's door 
With lingering disease, they will restore 



154 " POEMS. 

To health and vigor, with Hfe again, 
Medicines they've got from woods or plain; 
The facts in proof was a mother's case, 
Yet I, but a lad, the mind would trace. 

To quarry with thoughts for medical skill, 
Why doctors of learning should sicken and 

kill. 
When an ignorant squaw my mother did cure; 
My thoughts were baffled, no books were sure. 

But, nevertheless, with books to learn, 
And glean from all, we've got to turn 
For an education to so direct; 
A system sure we should expect. 

However, to say, woods or college. 
Or any place to get a knowledge; 
From observation to nature go. 
Such proofs b}' test will rightly show\ 

Hence a knowledge, the red men say, 
They get so practical day by day; 
Whereas for books most all compiled, 
Old dogmatics have ruled and styled. 

So sectarian they wouldn't hark, 
While under the bushel they've kept the spark; 
But lights of science now are dawning. 
And chemical tests give all the warning. 



THE FALSE-HEARTF.D YOUNG MAN. 155 

While under the lens of a microscope. 
They**!! trace disease, with aids to cope; 
Tni happy to know a change is coming, 
The wheels of science keep all a humming. 

And lines to show progressive march, 
Without a doubt, we needn't search; 
Hence, the science of medical skill, 
From a miring rut can climb the hill. 

x\nd get a scope of higher thoughts, 
To never administer those poison draughts; 
For God has made the plants for healing, 
While science to man He is revealino-. 



THE FALSE-HEARTED YOUNG MAN. 



That young man who will betray 

An innocent girl to go astray. 

Is worse than Cain who killed his brother; 

When he was dead there was no other. 

But that poor girl, with virtue lost, 
Like an Eden's garden nipped by frost; 
Her all is blighted, then lingers with scorn 
To her life is pointed, which seems forlorn. 



156 POEMS. 

Contided in him as a friend supposed, 
He turned with scorn and joined her foes; 
While her affection on him was placed, 
They've talked with shame and disgrace. 

And now her future all seems dark, 
She weeps and cries with a broken heart; 
Nothing to live for, she wishes to die, 
With moans of grief you'll hear her sigh. 

While days and weeks are passing away. 
For death to come you'll hear her pray, 
"Why can't I die, and end this trouble.^" 
Her heart in sorrow its weight will double. 

Alone she wanders around the fields. 
Wishing for death with loud appeals; 
At last, resolved she wouldn't wait, 
A rope she found which tied the gate. 

Near the woods she hitched to a tree. 
With a noose adjusted, she swung so free; 
Without a struggle she seemed to die, 
So says a hunter who stood near by. 

With speed he ran and cut the rope. 
But, alas! too late, death had spoke! 
With all his efforts her life to gain, 
A letter he found which did explain. 



THE FALSE-HEARTED YOUNG MAN. 157 

Well, now, young man, clon^t you think 
All through life you'll find a kink; 
Remorse of conscience you cannot kill, 
That body that's dead will haunt thee still. 

An innocent girl you did deceive, 
To life again you can't retrieve; 
While in her bloom of health you knew 
With virtue and character she was true. 

'Twas then with scorn you turned away, 
Without excuse you couldn't say; 
Although with promises you had flattered, 
Like an eagle to clutch the innocent bird. 

As a prey their talons will hold 
To tear and rend, they are so bold, 
The weak and helpless innocent ones; 
While now with future, here it comes. 

Her life to live you've rent asunder, 
With flattering deceit, it is no wonder, 
To love she did and cancel life, 
Ere she expected to be your wife. 

With vows you promised, but did deceive, 
Hence now a blank it will leave; 
You may mourn and wish her back, 
The cause you know, but can't retract. 



158 POEMS. 

It's now too late, the deed is done, 
With hfe and mind that thought will run; 
Deception so cruel you can't forget. 
While on your heart it leaves its jet. 

To blight and blast, 'twill overthrow, 
It matters not which way 3^ou go; 
With all misfortunes, this is the worst, 
While God and nature has left a curse. 



PROGRESSIVE MINDS ARE NEVER STILL 



Neither can they ere be stilled. 
While mammoth cities they'll find to build; 
Those towering structures with little hands, 
With muscles for labor, then brain for plans. 

We look with wonder to behold ; 
All were infants by mothers controlled. 
Education and science has wrought 
Those minds to skill and hold the thought. 

So they can plan and thus devise, 
From earth below up towards the skies; 
Such blocks of wood, brick and stone, 
Like Babel's tower to the zenith run. 



PROGRESSIVE MINDS ARE NEVER STILL. 159 

Cities and cities, we know the facts; 



Blocks upon blocks, in solid compacts. 
London of England will serve to show, 
With her millions of people, and blocks in row 

Impossible 'twould seem in days of yore, 
When pilgrim fathers struck our shore; 
'Twas wilderness wild, and beast of prey 
And savage Indians held the sway. 

Industrious men have made the change, 
By labor and toil they've got the range; 
From wooden plow, with ox and carts, 
Then sc3^the or a sickle the reaper starts. 

The farmers then had a slavish life. 
To toil and sweat for children and wife; 
But now we see inventive skill. 
The farmers' land machines will till. 

And such will fell the grass and grain, 
While harvest to gather and get the same. 
Instead of flails that used to thresh. 
It's now machines with buzz and crash. 

It's hundreds of bushels without dela}^, 
When ten and twent}^ was a flailing day ; 
This world of science is marching on, 
With great inventions the world is run. 




ON MY SIXTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY. 



My birthday now is sixty-one, 
And the silvery age of Hfe begun. 
While beard and hair is turning gra}', 
My Hfe is fading day by day. 

The question now comes to mind, 

There's something to do which God designed ; 

Hence he spared my Hfe so long,. 

In vineyard to labor and correct the wrong. 

Examples to show the right and true, 
While all may learn there's something to do, 
If souls to save and heaven to gain. 
Make all so bright and ere so plain. 



OiV M Y SIX T Y-FIRS T BIR THDA Y. i6 1 

God will bless and crown th}' work, 
Then up and doing no time to shirk, 
Thou knowest the way and do it not, 
With no excuse to say forgot. 

'Tis now to labor while day doth last, 
The night will come when da}^ has past; 
No man can w^ork, the book hath said. 
When life is gone and the body is dead. 

God has promised rewards for thee, 
If faithful to labor he'll know and see; 
Your lamp is trimmed, and burning bright, 
When bridegroom cometh they'll see the light. 

So in the ebbs of life to hnd, 

God to thee has such consigned; 

A crown if faithful unto the end, 

His angels from heaven will peace attend. 

With such a treasure it's all and all, 
For life to live and death to call; 
And now I see so very plain, 
For earthly riches I'll hold no claim. 

But life in future, let me perform, 
To work for God and world to warn; 
Such admission would give me peace, 
My heart and soul with love increase. 



i62 POEMS. 

These thoughts my mind now reflects; 
If Tve a talent, God expects 
rU put it forth for some exchange, 
With earnest toils to hold the ranofe. 

For life to live and life to come, 
The way is opened and work begun. 
So faithful be unto the end. 
For Jesus, the Saviour, is a friend. 

At the closing scenes we'll find him there, 
For faithful souls he^s got in care. 
To see that they're safe on the other shore, 
For heaven's children he opens the door. 

With thoughts like these, my soul can grow 
To labor for Christ, Pm willing to show 
The world and all that I am true. 
For God, and heaven F^'e ^o\. in view. 



It's more than all those earthly treasures. 
With saints and angels, the heavenly pleasures 
To sing the songs of redeeming love. 
To God, the Father, and Christ above. 




THE SCOLDING WIFE AND JANGLING HUSBAND. 



Pve often thought to see and know, 
They have the hardest row to hoe, 
The wife gets cross and begins to fret, 
While John is working to foam and sweat. 

When home he comes, she's got to blast, 
No dinner as yet, you'll have to fast ; 
Pve been washing says she to him, 
And all a sweat from head to chin. 

What of that, compared to me.^ 
I've chopped and split the old big tree; 
Two cords or more in a half a day. 
So tired and hungry you'd better say. 

'' Well John, I don't cai*e for that. 
You might have hired Kichard Piatt, 
He wanted to work and let you plough 
That little field beyond the slough," 



1 64 POEMS. 

You know my horse is very lame, 
And now to think that Pm to blame, 
To work a horse on three legs, 
Like setting a hen on porcelain eggs. 

They'll never hatch a single chick, 
Now, John, you twit of your old trick, 
You brought them home, then lied to me. 
And said they came from o'er the sea. 

And so they did, said John to her, 
Imported with crocker}', so they were. 
Right from England, where they were made 
By men who've learned and got the trade. 

Why didn't you tell the truth, said she, 
The truth! I'm sure I did, said he; 
'Twas after tea the joke begun. 
We laughed, and had lots of fun. 

And I supposed you knew the trick. 
In a China ^^g there was no chick; 
For hen to set live long weeks. 
And not an ^gg with chick it peeps, 

I know my mother, three weeks she said. 
Her chickens were hatched and out she fed, 
It seemed so strange they didn't hatch, 
I went to the nest and an ^gg I scratched. 



SCOLDING WIFE AND JANGLING HUSBAND. 165 

And then I found it was no egg, 
But poor old hen stood on one leg; 
Now, says John, that's old Dick, 
On three legs since he got kicked. 

To plough for Piatt, or hatch tlie chicks 
With China eggs, you\^e got the tricks; 
You know 'twas all a little joke, 
AVhen to give I winked and spoke. 

So that is where the laugh comes in, 
Eggs for chickens will never swim; 
Now, said John, you ought to have known, 
An ^^^ won't float all alone. 

Now, what about this 'ere dinner, 
I'm hungrier than a wicked sinner; 
I don't care, she said with slang. 
Her spunk was up and ready to bang. 

Well, old gal, you'd better stop, 
Before we have an Irish hop; 
She said you'll hop with this 'ere broom 
Over your head pretty soon. 

If my dinner you're going to get, 
Your blow and blast 3'ou'd better quit, 
For here to l)other, I shan't stay, 
My neighbor for dinner, I'll go and pay. 
12 



i66 POEMS. 

The floor she swept, and had her blow^ 
Then John for the door started to go; 
Well now you'd just better come back. 
Or chair I'll take and break your back. 

Now John he looked and saw her eye, 
She was so mad she began to cry, 
By this it seemed to touch his heart, 
No use to jangle we'd better part. 

To live a life of light and jaw, 
Pts worse than men who are sued in law; 
To care I don't, you needn't twit, 
Just to show your mother's wit. 

After the spat she sat the table, 

The dinner was ready to dish with ladle; 

She took it up for John to eat. 

The chair was ready, he took his seat. 

Now John commenced to crack his jokes, 
She says you're talking about my folks. 
You'd better look to your own. 
That brother Jim, great overgrown. 

A perfect gewgaw around the gals. 
Just see him going with Jennie Shalls; 
The other night to church they come. 
She'd lauo^h and ^^io-He while he would hum. 



SCOLDING WIFE A ND J A NGLING II USB A ND. 167 

I was SO shamed, to think I knew 
He was your brother, and I with you; 
The deacon looked as though he thought, 
Manners or breeding they never were taught. 

Well, Jane, you VI better stop at once. 
You're talking more than old man Hunts; 
He'd talk 3'our arm or leg right off. 
Or else you'd die with the whooping cough. 

John, I tell you I've heard enough, 
Your black-guard slang all so rough. 
You never can stop me from talk, 
You'll find this chick a different hawk. 

Well, Jane, I'll tell you once again. 
If you don't stop I'll take the train. 
And go, I will, to Idaho, 
And there I'll stop with uncle Joe. 

You can go where ere you please. 
For you I'll neyer get on my knees; 
Jane, I think you'd better stop. 
Or else w^e'll have that Irish hop. 

You can go with all your threats, 
I'm a different girl from 3'our aunt Betz; 
Her old man scared her so bad. 
She daren't touch a thing: he had. 



168 POEMS. 

And when you talk of Irish hop, 
You'll find I am just your chap; 
To play a part, Til take a hand, 
And then Pll show who owns the land. 

Well, Jane, we won't have any fuss, 
For a little joke, all this muss. 
Ashamed Fd be, and neighbors would talk, 
John and Jane like horses to balk. 

Then, John, you needn't begin to twit, 
On me with jokes, 'twill never fit, 
I wasn't saying a word to you, 
Then your twitting you begin to do. 

Jane, it's anything to quarrel. 

You are w^orse than old mother Morrill ; 

For she would jaw with a fly. 

If it should light near her eye. 

You can't talk your quarrels to me. 
Said Jane to John, for I will see; 
You commenced the rumpus first, 
Because an ^^^ I wanted to burst. 

Then }'our laugh and twit began. 
To turn it off with jokes and fun; 
Your jokes and laugh I do not like. 
It makes me mad enough to fight. 



SCOLDING WIFE A ND J A NGLING HUSBAND. 1 69 

It's hardly a 3'ear since we were wed, 
Now quarrel and jangle like old Ned; 
Tm sick and tired, said John to her, 
To live alone I should prefer. 

Well, 3'ou can go, said she to him. 
Full of spunk, as well as vim ; 
You'll take me home this afternoon, 
To joke you'll sing another tune. 

Now, Jane, let's kiss, and stop right here, 
We've had enough for the first year; 
No happiness for you and none for me, 
With peace and harmony we might agree. 

I'll try my best to please and do. 

And I think you'll find me true; 

Well, John, said Jane, with tears she cried, 

Your home with comforts I've ever tried. 

For dinner that day I was so late, 

My washing so hard, I thought 3^ou'd wait, 

I was tired and cross you know. 

Then with jokes your spunk would show. 

Now, John, I'm willing to do my half. 
And never quarrel, I'd sooner laugh; 
We must forbear with each other. 
Our hearts in love we'll soon discover. 



I70 . POEMS. 



To kiss the}^ did, and both agreed, 
With Hfe to come theyYl seen the need, 
For love and harmony God would show, 
With a union of hearts they could go. 



HUMBOLDT, THE WORLD'S NATURALIST. 

Lewis Humboldt we can't foroet, 

A scholar by nature, with mind and wit; 

Hence, a glance he'd seem to know. 

Of science and skill the same could show.^ 

His books to read will profit all. 
Yet once a babe when he was small; 
'Twas intuition that prompted him, 
With mind all ripe he had the vim. 

Hence, a naturalist he was called, 
Without an equal, the world installed; * 
So from an infant a man may grow. 
With skill and energy his acts will show. 

Take all professions of science and art, 
It's from the infant those men must start; 
Endowed by nature, that genius will show 
To educate the way to go. 



THE HEALING PLANTS. 171 

Then parents should watch each early trait, 
With promptings show before too late; 
When right to start they'll know for sure, 
Then labor to study they will indure. 

It's so essential in the acts of life, 
If rightly started they'll hold the strife; 
And in the end they'll win the fame. 
With star to leave, it's in their name. 

The greatest leader of all the times. 
With marks to show has some designs, 
From whence they started with tact or skill, 
Then up they'd climb with power and will. 



THE HEALING PLANTS FOR MAN'S DISEASES. 



I love to roam in the forest wild, 

To search for plants so very rare ; 

The Redman's home from a child, 

'Tis nature's o'arden for all to share. 



&• 



Like angels sent to cure disease. 

If rightly applied for, all mankind, 

Pains, or aches they will appease. 

Which God has planted and so designed. 



172 POEMS. 

'Tis now to learn from the silent flower 



While in fragrance they may bloom^ 
For pains and aches they have the power^ 
And all with health to give so soon. 

As we are taught the leaves are healing, 
For all such ills to which flesh is heir; 

'Tis thus their virtues to us appealing, 
The wasted tissues they can repair. 

So now for man it is to know, 

How to use and medicate. 
And every year the}^ will grow. 

On hills or valle3^s in the purest state. 

Those chemical tests give greater scope, 
For broader fields we can refine. 

For life and health it brings a hope. 

As positive agents if called in time. 

Hence, for life, three score and ten, 
If laws of health we do obey, ^ 

So nature's garden will aid us then. 
Our desire to hold the sway. 

Nature's resource, her bountiful supplies, 
With medicine for the human ills, 

To know we must the where and whys, 
For S3Tups or powders, or even pills. 




THE HEIR OF LYNN. 

SOMETHING FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS. 



You boys and girls like lots of fun, 
For pleasures in life you've just begun ; 
So I must write a piece for you, 
And for example call it true. 

I know you like stories to read, 
Whether a fiction or facts to heed; 
They'll both amuse and hold the mind, 
If in the end they are designed 

To crown some point or act of life, 
You'll ponder it o'er with an eager strife; 
Or, when by others read or told, 
With silent listen your thoughts will hold. 

'Twas years and years ago, I read 
About a son whose father said: 
'' My houses and lands, that I shall leave. 
You'll squander them all, but may retrieve. 



174 POEMS. 

"And then, to begging you'll have to go; 
No money or friends, you'll find it so. 
This princely fortune that I leave you, 
All w^ill go like the summer dew. 

" Money you'll loan and forget to count, 
In a reckless way 3^ou've lost the amount; 
Then trust to servants who'll rob and steal. 
Without a record you couldn't appeal. 

"With sports and all you've had your play. 
But time will come when you will say: 
^ My dying father has told the truth,' 
And ne'er would heed while in your youth." 

After the father was dead and gone, 
Those "valuable gifts the son would pawn ; 
Ere father's money he'd spent it all, [call. 
Then mortgaged the lands, for debts they'd 

That bank of money, so 'soon it went. 
He ne'er could tell how it was spent; 
No business traits for him to tend. 
With fortune he thought there was no end. 

Sporting and living in riotous way, 
While ere to think what father did sa}'; 
The way in which he started in, 
A nobleman's son was the heir of Lynn. 



THE HEIR OF L YNN. 175 

There ^s one thing more the father sfiid, 
" In streets you'll sleep without a bed; 
Then patches and rags will be 3^our clothes, 
Those once your friends are now your foes. 

" Now in this beg' scared state you'll hnd 
A sure relief Fve left behind; 
That little house down b}^ the sea, 
Tve locked it fast and sunk the key. 

" Ere there you go before I say, 
You'll be cursed all the way; 
The time will come no friend to meet. 
Starving with hunger and nothing to eat. 

" To the little house go and implore. 
Then burst you may to open the door.'' 
And sure enough he did succeed, 
While getting in both hands made bleed. 

Then in the room there sat a stool; 

He looked around with thoughts so cool, 

To read the mottoes on the wall, 

" This rope is hanirino: to meet your call." 



"You'd better hang than starve to death!'' 
He read again, without a breath ; 
He'd suffered with hunger many a day, 
And perished with cold to sleep on hay. 



176 ' POEMS. 

Then round the room with many a pace, 
And saw a motto which said, ''Disgrace! 
Yourself and friends to all deceiv^e, 
Now here to hang, you'll hnd relief." 

Then stool he mounted, his troubles to cheeky 
The rope and noose around his neck ; 
Then off he swung with a dreadful feeling, 
A door was opened from the ceiling. 

His weight and rope did unlock. 
Then the beggar had a struggling shock; 
But soon recovered to there behold, 
While nearl}' buried with coins of gold. 

He found a letter by him laid. 

He opened it and then he prayed, 

" For future PU be wise and a better man, 

By the help of God, I know I can.'' 

This advice was in the letter: 
"I know my son will do some better; 
He's seen the wreck that folly brings. 
Like a serpent's coil, it always stings." 

The servant who bought his stately mansion 
Gave entertainments to all who come; 
The beggar secreted and hid his gold, 
Then as a secret he never told. 



THE HEIR OF LYNN: i77 

To entertainment, in rags he went, 
And begged for alms without consent ; 
But no response, excepting one, 
Richard Perry, a nobleman's son, 

Ten rubles to the beggar gave; 

"I know you're needy, with hunger crave/' 

THen beggar called Perry aside, 

Asking " if horse he could ride?'' 

He answered, "Yes; and why so?" 
Said beggar, " Sometime, I'll let you know." 
He also said, " That John of the Scales 
Has ^ot mv mansion without avails. 

" So let's go in, and I'll beg again." 
But Scales got up and drew his cane, 
And said, " You ought to die with hunger, 
The w^ealth you've squandered no man 
could conjure." 

Then beggar replied, " My mansion you've 

got ' 
Without its value, or much for naught." 
Then John begins to talk and laugh, 
" To you I'll sell for less than half 



178 ■ POEMS. 

" The money I paid, at any time, 
If papers you want, I now will sign.'' 
"Yes," said the beggar, "I'll try and 

borrow, — 
Draw up papers, — the money to-morrow." 

The papers he got, signed and sealed. 
Then to Perry his secret revealed; 
While horses they got to bring the gold, 
And counted it out with courage so bold. 

Then with whips he dogged them out, 
John of the Scales and all his scout; 
Here was a lesson the heir had learned. 
From a wealthy state to a beggar turned. 

Hence his future was better and wiser. 
While Richard Perry was his sole adviser; 
He lived a happier and better life. 
And soon he found an amiable wife. 

This will prove the way in which 
Those sons if left with fortunes rich. 
They know not how the fortune's made, 
Hence to squander it is their trade. 

But many's the time the scale will turn, 
Poverty and want they'll have to learn; 
No trade they've got, nor reared for work. 
With want and suffering, they cannot shirk, 



THE HEIR OF LYNN. 179 

They sure must work, beg, or steal, 
Then, reared so proud, it's a harder deal; 
There are many thieves, to trace them back, 
Their fathers had money by the stack. 

Those sons with fortunes we often tind, 
To idle traits they are inclined; 
In games of sport you'll find there. 
Money to squander, the}^ don't care. 

They don't know how to earn a dollar, 
Although in learning they are a scholar; 
But as for labor they were not reared. 
To condescend they are af eared. 

This heir of L3'nn and his course, 
So quick to poverty it did force; 
Hence we see, like a prodigal son 
To his father's house he had to come. 

Poor and needy, sick and sore, 
Ere death to come he must implore 
For all his wants, 'twas there he found, 
A treasure left with deeds profoimd. 

In future a better and wiser man, 
His father foresaw while thus to plan ; 
This hidden treasure he kept it back. 
Ere some could see his wayward track. 




THE YOUNG LADY ABOUT TO BE MARRIED. 



There's a daughter who's about to wed ; 
It's fuss and fix as ma has said ; 
Dresses to make and trim to suit, 
While gloves and shoes must be so cute. 

'Tis such a task to fuss and bother 
The mother and sister, and then the father. 
His mone}' to pay for the best of st3'le, 
She'll coax and kiss with manv a smile. 



She wants it all so very nice, 
So pa don't grumble at the price;* 
"She is on the go most every day, 
Making selections for pa to pay. 

Weeks and weeks it's been a-going. 
Dresses to fit, and then the sewing; 
Trimmings to match with the best of taste, 
The richest of silks and finest of lace. 



THE YO UNO LAD V ABO UT TO BE MARRIED. 183 

When alPs complete the day is set, 

Then cook for cakes, they'll froth and sweat; 

It's hurly, burly, around they'll go, 

For table in style must make a show. 

And now the guests to be invited, 
For a joyful time they are delighted; 
The priest or preacher ties the knot, 
To join their hands he's on the spot. 

When all is over they'll take a tour. 
To some great city the3^'ll go for sure ; 
However, to say, there's some exceptions. 
With daddy's puss and daddy's sons. 

'Tis with the wealthy and the elite ; 
With stores or farms that sell the wheat ; 
With money to spend and make a show, 
While sons or dauo'hters on it can go. 



NOW^ THE SEQUEL, 

While in love they're all so happy. 
Like baby children with ma and pappy; 
With honeymoon they've got the most, 
But now, life's seas, they've got to coast, 



1 84 POEMS. 

Hence scarce a year had rolled away, 
When wife to Harry was heard to say: 
I gained your hand with vows to love, 
But cords you're breaking that tied the glove. 

Harry, you know what you said 
The night before we were wed? 
No more liquor, wine, or beer 
You would ever drink, I needn't fear. 

But now just see where you've got ! 
Almost a worthless, drunken sot ! 
You had a father, kind and true. 
And praying mother who'd always do. 

That kind old father has talked and talked, 
But his advice you've almost mocked, 
And then your mother in bitter tears, 
With heartfelt anguish she had her fears, 

I've often heard her talk and say, 
Harry, my son, don't go astray; 
You know the fate of those who drink, 
If you'll but stop, reflect, and think. 

You told my father and mother, too. 
Before you left, they'd find you true; 
No wrong in yo\x they'd ever find. 
But now I see you've changed your mind. 



THE YO I ^XG LADY ABOUT TO BE MA RRIED. 1 8 5 

What do you think they now would say, 
To know you're drunk most every day ? 
I think their hearts would truly bleed, 
If their counsel you wouldn't heed. 

But, Harry, I want to say a word; 
I fear that Mr. Snow has heard 
That you get drunk most every night, 
Then have a row, and want to fight. 

You know I've always tried m}'^ best 
To keep you home, so you could rest ; 
And in the morning be there to find 
His books, and biz upon your mind. 

You know his books you have to keep, 
And when it's night you want your sleep; 
If you'd been right he wouldn't have said: 
" Harry, go home and go to bed." 

We know he's been a friend to you, 
To give you work right through and through; 
And every day when you was there, 
Business or not, you had 3'Our share. 

Now, Harry, I pray, do listen to me, 
Abandon all that makes you spree; 
Then we'll be happy all through life. 
And I will be your loving wife. 



i86 POEMS. 



I now see tears on your cheek; 
M}^ clear Harry, can't you speak? 
Oh tell me pray what do 3^ou think, 
Can't 3'ou promise no more to drink? 



Yes, dear wife, Til surely do it, 

And you ma}' never fear or doubt, 

As sure as God liveth with me, 

Whiskey and I forever are out. 

Let them say what e'er they will, 

I've seen enough to prove the fact. 

The best of men 'twill surely kill. 
If giant minds it will distract. 

I know for sure that is the case. 

Those stalwart men, with muscles stout. 
By constant drink a reeling pace. 

Poison whiskey has burned them out. 

I've drunk enough, and know for sure. 

My mind and strength were getting weak, 

Then syrup and pills I took to cure 

My nerves distracted, I couldn't sleep. 



THE YOUNG LAD Y ABOUT TO BE MARRIED. 1S7 

I then began to think for why 

Man should stoop so very low 

His mind and strength to defy, 

Poison whiskey to strike the blow. 

But when I saw the weapon drawn, 

With angry threats, to strike me down; 

So far w^ith whiskey I had gone 

The last voice was heard to sound. 

You're on the very brink of ruin! 

Another step and then you'll go. 
With such a course as you're pursuing, 

To sink beneath the gulf of woe. 

I prayed to God for help and aid. 

With heart and soul in my prayer, 

To let the tempter now be stayed; 

The answer came, ^' Your hope is there." 

This pledge I made with God to keep, 

And my good wife I know 'twill please, 

While thus with joy she'll surely weep; 
I pledged with vows upon my knees. 

We'll both be good, and God obey. 
With life to come, and tempter sway, 
" Oh yes, dear Harry," says the wife; 
•^' God will bless, and crown our life." 




THE RICH AND POOR. 



The rich, and poor, why is it so? 

It seems to be the order of things; 
In every country where you go 

The rich and great will hold the rings. 

The poor must serve the rich and great, 

For a daily pittance they\^e got to have, 

From early morn till evening late, 

To tug and toil like a hungry slave. 

It seems as though there was a wrong, 
For God created, and so designed 

An equal chance for life so long 

As strength and labor were combined. 

But when we look, and so compare 

Man}^ men of many minds, 
If all would deal, and do it fair. 

We'd see some changes in the times. 



THE RICH AND POOR. 189 

But men are different in various ways. 



Some for plans and schemes to show, 
AVhate'er they sell they're bound to praise, 
And get their price before they go. 

A man that's poor generally pays 

The highest price for what he needs, 

But with the rich his credit says, 

Come to-morrow and pull the weeds. 

For every month we'll pay you off; 

Then laboring man must go on trust. 
While wife is sick, and got a cough, 

The doctor to pay must be the first. 

And when to buy they go on tick. 

The grocer says next month to pay; 

Then be assured to price he'll stick, 

No matter if you're working by the day 

While here we see the poor in debt, 
A month, two, or three behind, 

So early and late to work and sweat, 
With a sickly wife in bed confined. 

No wonder, then, his row is hard; 

If health should fail, where would he be! 
For the poor-house he'd get a card, 

Disofrace and shame for him to see. 



I90 POEMS. 

However to say there are many classes 
Of rich and poor plodding on ! 

While some will check to get their passes, 
And others will have to pledge or pawn. 

Some will live beyond their means, 
Dress and luxuries all in life; 

While in the war we had such scenes, 

Bounties and money for husband and 
wife. 

The poor with plenty scarcely think 
Of a drear}^ winter, ice and snow. 

But first they know they're on the brink 

With nothing to eat, nor nothing to show. 

■Tis now, you see, it stands in hand. 
In days of plenty to la}^ aside 

That little means you can command. 

And then for credit you're not denied. 





THE MONEYLESS MAN. 

Is there no place on the face of the earth 
Where charity clwelleth, where virtue hath 

birth? 
Q Where the bosom in mercy and kindness will 

heave, 
And the poor and the wretched shall ask and 

receive. 



Is there no place on earth where a knock 

from the poor 
Will bring a kind angel to open the door.^ 
Ah! search the wide world wherever you can, 
There is no open door for the moneyless man ! 



192 , POEMS. 

Go look in your hall where the chandelier's 

light 
Drives off with its splendor the darkness of 

night; 
Where the bright hangino^ velvet in shadowv 

fold 
Sweeps gracefully down with its trimmings 

of gold. 

And the mirrors of silver take up and renew 
In long lighted vistas the wildering view; 
Go there in your patches and find if 370U can 
A welcoming smile for the moneyless man. 

Go look in your church of the cloud reaching 

spire, 
Which gives back to the sun his look of red 

fire; 
Where the arches and columns are gorgeous 

within, 
And the walls seem as pure as a soul without 

sin. 

Go down the long aisle, see the rich and the 

great. 
In the pomp and pride of their worldly estate ; 
Walk down in your patches and find if 3^ou 

can, 
Who opens a pew for the mone3'less man. 



THE MONE YLESS MAN. 193 

Go look to your judges in dark flowing gown, 
With the scales wherein the law weigheth 

quietly down; 
Where he frowns on the weak and smiles on 

the strong. 
And punishes'right while he justifies wrong. 

Where jurors their lips on the bible have laid, 
And render a verdict they've already made; 
Go there in the court room and find if you can 
A law for the cause of a moneyless man. 

Go look in the bank where mammoth has told 
His hundreds and thousands of silver and gold ; 
Where safe from the hands of the starving 

poor 
Lies pile upon pile of the glittering ore. 

Walk up to the counter —ah, there you may 

stay ! 
Till your limbs grow old, and your hair turns 

gray, 
And you'll find at the bank not one of the clan 
With money to loan to the moneyless man. 

Then go to your hovel — no raven has fed 
The wife who has suffered so long for bread; 
Kneel down by the pallet and kiss the dead 

frost 
From the lips of the angel your poverty lost. 



194 POEMS. 

Then turn with your agon}- upward to God, 
And bless while it smites you the chastening 

rod ; 
And you'll find in the end of ^'^our little span 
There's a welcome above for a moneyless man. 

Not even a sparrow is suffered to fall, 

But God has an eye to notice them all; 

But the pomp and great, with their worldh' 

estate, 
Will lind in the end nothing too poor at 

heaven's gate. 

Their strand is broken, 'twas a silvery cord, 
Well tipped with gold but badly allo3^ed; 
No angel will notice what money you've 

clanned, 
At heaven's gate it's no better than sand. 



THOUGHTS ON AN ERRING HUSBAND. 



The erring husband has seen results, 
And hence reformed from his cups; 
So call no more upon the past, 
Then we'll be happy for time to last, 

A spark, if fanned, may ignite, 
But peace at home will give delight, 
To cheer the soul with a brighter ray 
And light our burdens all the way. 



THOUGHTS ON AN ERRING HUSBAND. 195 

Jangling discords despondent makes, 
While all is darkened by those wrecks. 
If not consoled by genial minds 
They''ll drift away to other climes. 

Let wisdom come at the eleventh hour, 
With love and harmony to hold the tower. 
And so with chains to anchor fast, 
Our bark to grapple ere storms have passed. 

Then angels of light will linger near, 
With songs of gladness our hearts to cheer; 
So life will ripen with golden fruit, 
When all is o'er, their robes to suit. 

Then Christ will say '' I know you've tried, 
That vicious tempter to so deride, 
With scorn to turn from him away; 
You\'e won the crown, and held the sway, 

'' Come, ye blessed of my Father, 

No more, with tempters you need to bother. 

Here's a rest, with peace enjoy, 

In heaven with saints, there's none annoy.'' 



^r-- 




A BIBLE LESSON. 

FOR A SABBATH SCHOOL SCHOLAR. 



A sacred book for all to read, 

With thoughts to learn and mind to feed, 

For the ocean of life it is a chart. 



To sfiiide us true when e'er we start. 



t> 



Who dare den}- that holy book? 
For truth we turn to read and look. 
Minds inspired wrote its pages, 
Hence for time 'twill last for ages. 

As a guide 'twill alwa3's show, 
For lite to last while here below; 
And then for death God will see 
A haven of rest is left for thee. 

So happy such thoughts for the closing scene, 
Composure of life like pleasant dreams, 
Such souls like flowers whose petals show 
To bloom in heaven with ano^els o'o. 



ROBERT INGERSOLL. 19^ 

This life is not our all and all, 

But a junior course for heaven^s call; 

Jesus came to teach the way 

For souls to drop this mortal clay. 

So pain and anguish we'll feel no more. 
When soul is ripe for the other shore; 
"'TIS a blessed thought to keep in view, 
While robes are ready with a brighter hue. 



ROBERT INGERSOLL 



Then Ingersoll will do such preaching, 
No truth in what the bible is teaching; 
And yet for years weVe lived to see 
Its teachings a guide, for heaven a key. 

While nations of earth with laws profound, 
The bible their base with all so sound; 
They've lived and prospered so all improve, 
With hope and comfort their lives behoove. 

Let infidels say what they will. 
Its teachings to slur they cannot kill; 
It's stood the test for thousands of years, 
While precepts to follow we have no fears. 



iqS poems. 

'Tis all for money and gain they preach. 
Polluted sin the minds will teach; 
For man with nature is prone to evil, 
With tempting thoughts from spirit devil. 

Then infidels will clear his skirt, 
So on he goes through life to spurt; 
But when the trump of death shall sound, 
His heart with fear begins to bound. , 

For rocks and mountains he^ll pray to fall^ 
Ere judgment day to him they call; 
He wants to hide in a secret place, 
Away from God he has disgraced. 

God has asked nothing in vain. 

So man could live with soul to gain; 

But stay the tempter when e'er you meet, 

Your soul to cuss, he'll tr}' to cheat. 

He tried the Saviour just the same, 
Kingdoms showing with power to reign ; 
But Jesus said, get behind! 
Tempt not thy Lord with any kind. 

But serve the true and living God, 
Then happy with peace for all to plod ; 
While here on earth with such renown, 
When called to heaven vou'U wear the crown, 



THE WAYWARD AND INTEMPERATE YOUNG 
MAN SPEAKS OF MOTHER. 



Young man, I hear you speak of mother, 
And still 3^ou're drunk, as I discover; 
What think you now if she could see 
Her darling son on such a spree. 

Her heart in anguish would wreak in pain. 
To think of son she couldn't contain 
Her mind with thoughts to give a reason, 
With years of toil 'tis worse than treason. 

Early and late, she's watched with care 
When you were young and k.nelt in prayer, 
Imploring mercy from God above 
To grow in grace, and gain in love. 

She lived in hopes, with years to come. 
Your father dead, she'd have a son 
To comfort and care; as age matured 
The star seemed bright, but nov/ allured. 



200 POEMS. 

Think a moment that mothers all, 
Inebriation has brought his fall; 
Oh, young man, can't you forbear, 
Your mother's heart to rend and tear? 

If any one should slur or speak 

111 of mother, your passions wreak. 

With vengeance wild you'd hold the strife 

Recant they must,or take their life. 

Now you see the picture's bright, 
A stranger's slurs like serpents bite, 
'Twill tingle and smart for a little while. 
But, a cankered wound on a little child, . 

^Twill never heal unless you cleanse 
Your ways in life for different ends. 
So mother can see and know for sure. 
Her wounded heart you yet might cure. 

Don't you see where you stand .^ 

Thy mother to wreck, and lose command. 

Ponder it o'er, and view the scene; 

It is no fiction, nor a dream. 

I've seen the like in life to act, 
A brilliant son on a wayward track. 
And mother persuading with bitter tears; 
With trembling heart she had her fears. 



THE WA YWARD YOUNG MAN. 2 

Still pra3'ing to God her son reclaim, 
Ere he is lost she will not be sane; 
It's wearing her soul and life away, 
And thus she is fading day by da}^ 

Wh}'^ can't you see, and listen to mother? 
While on this earth there is no other 
To ever love and do so well 
Your soul to save from eternal hell. 

You weep and cry when you're alone, 
Once back to the haunts you lose the tone, 
With a drink or two i: is all forgot; 
You'll have the sport, and be a sot. 

When money is gone the}' '11 kick you out, 
Then home to go you'll seek the route; 
Then mother to meet, she knows your fate, 
'Tis after twelve, she's up so late. 

She leads and lights you up to bed. 
With a deeper sigh good-night is said; 
Your reason is blighted, or else you'd see 
On your stand there's a cup of tea. 

Also some toast and cakes to eat, 
To stay your stomach from whisky heat; 
Down she goes to her room again, \ 

Heart so full, her head's in pain. 



202 POEMS, 

To sleep she can't, and takes no res^, 
That wave of trouble across her breast, 
It's worse than murder of slow degree 
For a bright young man to die from spree. 

And then to think of life to come 
Away from heaven and mother's home. 
God has said no drunkards there 
With saints in glory shall ever share. 

'Tis awful to think, much more to die, 
No wonder mother should weep and cry. 
Her son to go, and nevermore 
To see his face on the other shore! 

For that wicked, maddening bowl 
You've crazed the mind and lost your soul, 
And premature to fill the grave, 
In torments cast, with devils rave. 





ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 



Alexander was called the great ; 
As a warrior bold he couldn't wait; 
The world he conquered, and then he wept, 
No others for battle would ere accept. 

But wine and women sealed his fate; 
Such to us does histor}^ relate; 
Although 'tis said he conquered the world, 
Then cried and wept for his girl. 

Such great ambition some possess, 
Like a weaving sea 'twill never rest; 
While life with them is ever so short, 
Then to retrieve they will not resort. 



204 POEMS. 



While the lamp of life holds out to burn 
Ambition's pride is on the turn; 
Their name is general, to conquer men, 
To slay and kill with armies' pen. 



BONAPARTE AND ALEXANDER, 

THE GREAT WARRIORS. 



So Bonaparte, the chieftain warrior, 
Great Alexander, who died in horror, 
Marches made which made them great^. 
But tides did turn to seal their fate. 

Alexander, who conquered all. 
Debauched himself, and had to fall. 
While Bonaparte has had his da}^ 
Victories achieved, he held the sway. 

Rivers of blood he made to flow. 
Ambitious to conquer and make a show; 
He held the swa}^ but a little while. 
Then die he did, a poor exile. 

So from the cradle to the grave 
Men will grow to be so brave; 
But life must end, e'en though so late; 
That seal of death will never wait. 



BONAPARTE AND ALEXANDER. 205 

The greatest champions of all ages 
Find their ends in different stages; 
Historians or poets, must meet their call. 
For death spares neither great nor small. 

Ministers and statesmen have their lots, 
If marks they have made we'll see the spots; 
Hence mechanics of every skill, 
Those sands of life their graves will till. 

Thus while to think there is no gloom, 
Hangs o'er the grave to come so soon. 
When hoary age has silvered o'er. 
Be in thy bark and sail ashore. 

x\s the poet has said, live alway! 
No, we need not ask to stay 
Away from God and Heaven's abode; 
If right we've lived we'll see the road. 

And then that crown of glory wear, 
For Jesus the Saviour will be there ; 
He filled a grave for one and all. 
But is now in Heaven to meet their call. 





NEW YORK, 

America's greatest city. 



New York, America's greatest cit}^, 
With millions of people, if poor we'd pity; 
Then towering blocks up toward the sky. 
While roads are raised and cars will fly. 

Such scores of people are on the go, 
While thus they ride to and fro; 
Some of business and some of pleasure, 
Come and go at their leisure. 

And then that bridge to Brooklyn's shore, 
Millions of people have crossed it o'er; 
One at first could hardly think 
Such a structure could cities Hnk. 



NEW YORK, 207 

It's like a mountain in air to swing, 
While vessels go, come, and bring, 
Their burdens in and burdens out. 
Sail or steam, they've got the route. 

Without a draw or any such, 

The highest mast will never touch; 

It's one of the greatest in all the land 

That e'er was known, or e'er was planned. 

If now to stop, and then look back. 
Those men were babes without a track; 
They grew with thought, and such were 

skilled. 
Hence might and strength construct to build. 

A wonderful structure for time's demand, 
With wealth and toil b}' genius planned. 
Fifteen millions 'tis said it cost, 
While now it's free for all to cross. 

You people who live in country towns 
In these cities could hold no bounds, 
But lose yourselves without a mark. 
Like one to wander at night so dark. 

Indeed to us it seems so strange 
Such a mass of people could live to range; 
Business to prosper, with all compete. 
With such expenses they have to meet. 



2o8 POEMS. 



It seems they do with all abound, 
By trade and traffic the way is found; 
With scheming plans they're bound to win, 
They'll push ahead with all their vim. 



P, T. BARNUM, 



THE CHAMPION SHOWMAN. 



There's P. T. Barnum, we can't forget, 
For his great schemes and mother wit; 
The King of Showmen, as we could call, 
His name is known by great and small. 



Whate'er he does he's bound it wins, 
But once on clocks he lost his pins. 
So now he sticks to the regular show, 
When all can see they're sure to go. 



These men of note we can't mistake. 
For biz and schemes they're wide awake; 
They show the points and character of men^ 
From cradle to grave we have to pen. 




HARD TIMES AND THE CAUSES. 



How hard the times! I hear it said, 
And then in papers 'tis often read; 
Now, why call the times so hard? 
Business is moving, and no retard. 

With plent}' to eat, drink, and wear. 
And business for all if they would share, 
Then to divide each one his lot 
If there on time and on the spot. 

This country abounds with plenty for all, 
And some to spare for a nation's call. 
While loads are shipped to foreign lands ^ 
When calls are made for such demands. 

Let older grandsires tell their tale 
Of cold seasons, and then crops would fail; 
Most every month a frost would freeze, 
Killing the corn, wheat and trees. 



2 JO POEMS. 

'Twas near a famine in many places, 

Then children were stinted with saddened 

faces, 
'Twas then hard times, they sure could say, 
When food to buy the}^ had to pay. 

I often think of, now and then. 
Such scenes, as were told by older men; 
Countr}^ new and wilderness wild, 
To cut for logs they burned and piled. 

To clear a spot for field and home, 
Then tug and lift, with sweat they foam; 
Early and late they had to do. 
If all so hard their comforts knew. 

You boys and girls, what think you now? 
They had to plant without a plough; 
■Twas then spade up, or dig with hoe 
A little patch, so corn would grow. 

Compare these times with those of old, 
No more for hard we'd hear it told. 
The fields are now like gardens tilled. 
Machines to do, their barns are filled. 

We now can raise ten bushels, or more, 
For less than they could raise their four^ 
And still you talk, and say hard times. 
In a land of plent}^ where are the signs? 



HARD TIMES AND THE CAUSES. 2 

To sum it up I see so clear, 
The men are different as times appear; 
Colossal wealth of millionaires 
Monopolies make without repairs. . 

The more they get, the more they want ; 
The laboring poor they have forgot. 
But grind them down with an iron will, 
It's so and so or I'll hold you still. 

A millionaire in olden times, 

'Twas thought beyond a life of signs. 

John Jacob Astor stood ahead 

For years and years; 'twas talked and said. 

The richest man on American shore 
While kind he was to all the poor, 
But now the change is very great; 
Give them wealth from every state. 

I often think of the fable told 
Of Eli Baby getting gold; 
His mind, bewildered, forgot to say 
Open sesame without delay. 

When robbers came they found him there, 
To cut and quarter his body did tear. 
While in their cave he'd got their gold 
His sacks were as full as they could hold. 



! POEMS. 

Now here's a moral for us to see, 
These richer men lose Heaven's ke}^ 
By trying to oppress the honest poor; 
Christ in Heaven will shut the door. 

If they'd but stop, and then reflect, 
Life so short, death holds the check ! 
Their treasures all the}^ have to leave 
No hope! too late! they can't retrieve. 

Their souls to find they had forgot, 
The hour has come, the vail will drop. 
No light beyond a single ray, 
And where to go, they've lost the way. 

"Oh," say they, " if I had thought 

These earthly treasures were all for naught, 

To leave behind, no more control, 

For God I'd worked to take mv soul." 




NOW AND THEN. 



It's now to look, and then to think, 
Science with nature they have to Hnk, 
For nature to progress on, and then 
Signs are known by the acts of men. 

But men of old they couldn't see 
The hidden mysteries to find the key; 
Hence like children they had to learn 
The letters and a b's, ere there to turn. 

For light of science knowledge must show, 
The letters to read, spell and go; 
Designs to figure with lines exact. 
With systems to know and prove the fact. 



But now to look in an early day. 
Too much to do in a different way; 
Their mind and thoughts were all engaged, 
No time to think for a science gauged. 

15 



214 



POEMS. 



But battles to fight and guard their home, 
In constant worr}^ with all they own; 
So different from then is it now, 
To think and plan they all know how. 

And hence we see on ever}^ hand 
Design has shown and science planned; 
On ever3'thing to see and name 
Time and skill has wrought the same. 

And every day brings something new. 
Thoughts on wings with science flew; 
Then where to find a field of thought, 
And now to see that iie'er was wrought. 

So back she comes, like Noah's dove, 
To light she can't, the trees above; 
Invention's flood has overflowed 
The hills and mountains and every road. 

And so we find in constant search, 
The thoughts of minds are in the lurch; 
Then, if a shadow is but to gleam, 
They'll magnif}' to trace the scene. 

While in the earth so far beneath. 
For precious metals they'll find a wreath; 
In rocks or earth, the signs will show. 
Or springs of water that run and flow. 



NOW AND THEN. 215 

For salt or minerals, it matters not, 
The chemical science will tell the spot 
Of all components rich or rare. 
To get it pure, clean and fair. 

We cannot name, but give a trace, 
Of now to see the rapid pace. 
As we have called it, now and then, 
It's back to look then come again. 

'Tis then for contrast we've got to go 
To older sires and see their show; 
Ere compared with times and older men. 
The difference to see of now and then. 

We tind a grandson here and there, 
WhoVe heard them tell how they did fare 
When first they came to settle down 
And try to start a little town. 

I often think of now and then. 

When I was a boy, of older men, 

To tell of scenes when they begun, 

For game to shoot they'd keep their gun. 

Country wild and forest dense, 
Deer and partridge, with quails immense; 
Indians numerous they'd often see 
Skulking behind some big tree. 



2i6 POEMS. 

With bow and arrows, ready to kill, 
The3'''d watch him close he'd lay so still; 
Their talk he couldn't understand, 
But signs or motions, they'd wave the hand. 

"•Twas then to guess what they meant, 
Ere out of sight their arrow sent ; 
So then, you see, 'twas constant dread, 
The white man lived with treacherous red. 

Their httle cottage was built of logs. 

For wife and children the}^ all would lodge ; 

In constant fear of some attack 

From Indians savage, 'twas a nervous rack. 

Hence they watched day and night. 
With listening ears and eyes to sight. 
With every move to see their trail. 
Ere peace to keep they must prevail. 

And so they lived, year after year. 
Their sons and daughters trying to rear; 
All with health, they toiled with care, 
Rough and tussle, so hard to fare. 

No machines, nor cars to ride, 
But foot it through, or horse astride, 
When to town they had to go, 
Summer or winter, through the snow. 



NOW AND THEN. 217 

And then, their minds in constant worry. 
Fearing the Indians, back they'd hurry; 
But man}^ a time when husband's away, 
Indians would come and family sla}'. 

While so to think of now and then, 
To tell of half, we cannot pen; 
While now we have all in peace, 
Comforts and luxuries, it's like a feast. 

Compared with those of olden time. 
To describe we cannot rhyme; 
They'd chop and dig to make the roads, 
With oxen and carts to pull the loads. 

'Twas muscles with hands for every turn^ 
To fell and pile the logs to burn ; 
Then grub the stumps to plant their corn. 
So out to work at early morn. 

Think of that, then think of now! 
Our land by steam we can plough; 
From seven to twelve in a gang. 
Furrows to turn and move along-. 

Then when they plant, machines they've got 
To set and ride, as you'll discover; 

Three rows at once they will drop 

On a lively walk, and set to cover. 



2i8 POEMS. 

Then when to weed and stir the soil, 
Machines they use instead of hoe; 

Horses can draw without much toil, 

Then bo}' can ride, guide, and show. 

And so it is w^th all to name, 

'Tis now to look, and then to see; 

In olden times thev used to train, 

But now they're schooled in college free. 

I've heard them tell the time, and then 

Their corn for food in mortars pound; 

Then as for meats — 'twas mostly venison, 
No mills to grind could there be found. 

No factories then to make their cloth, 

'Twas ' mothers to spin, and then to 
weave ; 

To cook and work with sweat the3^'d froth. 
From early morn till late at eve. 

I've heard them tell when they begun. 

The husband working to clear the land, 

Their children small while all was done. 
And none to lend a helping hand. 

Such were the times and daj^s of then. 

Compared, what would we call them now? 

Fathers and mothers, women and men. 

Together they pulled and held the plough. 



NOW AND THEN. 219 

No mills to saw and lumber make, 
But ax to cut and logs to hew; , 

To split and chop away they'd peck 

For table or shingles, 'twould have to do. 

'Tis now to see, but then to know, 

To live and prosper they had to dig; 

If row was hard, the more to hoe, 
And fell the trees, if e'er so big. 

If back we look 'tis only thoughts 

In mind to judge how they begun; 

Experience alone can tell the wants. 

To read in history won't do the sum. 

The change is great, if we now compare 
The progressive march we all can see; 

Those tides are rolling, while winds are fair. 
Now on the land and on the sea. 

While now and then, as we begun 
To talk in rhyme, and all to tell, 

It's like a shadow or ray of sun. 

Or a little word way back to spell. 

We see and know what is now; 

The light of science is dawning bright; 
While living genius is telling how 

Those days of old seemed like night. 



POEMS. 



To set us back from to-day, 

Like children of Israel we^d get lost, 
For clouds of smoke to lead the way, 

Or pillars of fire to light the host. 



HOW MUCH WILL HE BE WORTH WHEN 
HE DIES? 

The question now, how much will he 

Be worth when he dies? 
He's pushing on with a will to see, 

To answer he never replies. 

For death has canceled, his mortal toils 

To speak he never will, 
No more about his earthy spoils. 

While buried beneath the hill. 

He's schemed and toiled with all his mighty 

To grab and get it all; 
For wealth to gain he took delight. 

This world with riches call. 

He'd even grind the face of the poor 
To pinch and starving want; 

Although his coffers were running o'er, 
He saw and knew but nausfht ! 



HOW MUCH WILL HE BE WORTH? 221 

With him it's all for selfish gain, 

No matter when, nor how; 
That tho't for riches is on his brain, 

It's then to get it now. 

Millions and millions he has hoarded up, 

But never thinks enough; 
For neighbor to come with him to sup, 
He's had it all so rough. 

Let them do as I have done. 

He says to answer all; 
rU ne'er divide, you needn't come, 

For pittance e'er so small. 

I know how it was with me. 

When I first commenced 
To buy and sell, I tried on tea 

And profits recompensed. 

So very small it was at first, 

1 had to figure close; 
If capital lost I would burst, 

'Twas then to hold my post. 

He now refers to his beginning, 

Although he's prospered well ; 

By schemes and cheats he's made his winning. 
With all to buy and sell. 



FORMS. 



An hundred thousand he has saved. 

His wife said enough; 
To work and scheme you needn't crav^e, 

At auction sell your stuff. 

And with the interest we'll live at ease, 
Without that hurly-burly; 

Your brain to rack and mind to please, 
While now it's up and early. 

But now more eager than the first, 
For riches his mind engrossed; 

He says to stop we'd surely burst, 
To live and pay the cost. 

Look at Gerard, and then at Gray, 
Worth are their twenty million; 

When they died we heard them say, 
Rothchild had a billion. 

So now you see he'll die rich! 

How much when he dies.^ 
After death they'll get at such, 

And then they'll be surprised. 

A man must die before you know 

How much he is worth; 
After death they've got to show 

His money, home and hearth. 



HOW MUCH WILL HE BE WORTH? 223 

And then you'll hear it talked and said, 

A fortune he's left behind; 
His will to prove has now been read, 

To wife and heirs consigned. 

This hundred thousand he had made, 

Just opened up the way 
To buy and sell, a lively trade, 

Profits doable ever}' da}^ 

Then branching out his money for stock, 

With all to buy so close; 
If any to fail he's there to hock 

For less than half at most. 

Now here he makes a hundred per cent, 

He's got the money to buy; 
The more he gets the more he spent, 

For profits he makes it fly. 

O'er fifty thousand every year, 

He saves and lays away; 
And still in want he talks so queer. 

To meet a rainy day. 

He says, I do not want to die, 

A poor, wretched pauper; 
The world to scoff and make reply 

With this and that to slur. 



224 POEMS. 

They'll ask how much was he worth? 

Inquire and talk around; 
He held the mone}^ while here on earth. 

His .fifty millions sound. 

So now to close and make replies, 
How much he w^as worth? 

His fifty millions when he dies, 
His soul has lost its birth. 

He never stopped to think, prepare! 

To meet Christ the judge; 
With saints in heaven to get a share, 

That time he did begrudge. 

'Twas all for riches and worldly gain, 
No time to think of what 

His soul should be, if kept in train. 
Ere now the vail was dropped. 

The clergyman asks did he profess 
To have a change of heart? 

He went to church, but nevertheless, 
Repent or else depart. 

No evidence is left behind to show 

How happy he will be; 
His wealth in heaven will never go 

Ere Christ the judge to see. 




A MEMORABLE SCENE IN THE LIFE OF MY 
LITTLE DAUGHTER HELEN. 



When back I look upon the past, 
Such solemn scenes will always last; 
Remember I shall when she caressed, 
While on the couch I laid to rest. 

My darling daughter was coughing then, 
Her throat was sore and full of phlegm. 
As I laid down upon my couch 
There she came and held my watch. 

" I know, dear papa, you must be tired, 
Your head with sweat is perspired." 
"• Yes, dear daughter, IVe worked so hard 
In getting that wood in our yard. 



226 POEMS. 

'^ Then bringing that basket of groceries 

home. 
To tug and sweat I was all afoam." 
Then comb she got, and slicked my hair, 
'Twas a kind caress to comfort me there. 

" I hope, dear papa, you won't be sick 
In your back with pains and crick. 
This moving and lifting is hard on you, 
Your back so weak, you shouldn't do." 

When she got thi'ough I kissed her cheek ; 
With fever burn there was a heat. 
While thus amused I didn't think 
For all she coughed she was so sick. 

She never complained unless clear down, 
But was always cheerful and on the bound. 
I said, ''Daughter, play me a tune." 
" I will, dear papa, pretty soon." 

She took her accordion and began to play. 
So sweet it sounded while there I lay; 
What tune is that, can you tell.^ 
It's called " I want to be an angel." 

Please play it again, dear daughter, 
Her cough is so bad she had to falter; 
She says, '' This cough is killing me, 



But Ma is fixing some boneset tea.' 



MV LITTLE DAUGHTER HELEN. 227 

'Twas then she played it o'er again, 
With a heavenly charm it filled my brain; 
She never had played so nice before, 
An angel impressed her mind to soar. 

She was for heaven, too bright a jewel 
While here to keep, it would be cruel. 
On this wicked sinful earth, 
While angels in heaven knew her worth. 

She was up and down all that night, 
Vomit and cough, it was so tight; 
We nursed and doctored all we could, 
But with all it did no good. 

When morning came, to her Ma she said: 
" I'll never get out of this bed; 
Dear mamma you'll never dress me more, 
With angels I'm going to the other shore." 

Then, to her sister we heard her say : 

'' I am too sick, and cannot play." 

I called two doctors in to see, 

They shook their heads and said to me: 

^' No hopes for medicines to ere relieve her. 
For her disease is scarlet fever, 
And in the most malignant form. 
To live she can't another morn." 



228 POEMS. 

This was a shock with an awful blow, 
And what to do we didn't know, 
But did our best with nurse and care, 
We rocked and held her in our chair. 

She couldn't speak, but seemed to know, 
Her breath grew shorter, she soon must go; 
That night about nine o'clock 
The angel came with a gentle knock. 

Her soul to take they'd watch with care, 
She seemed to know they would be there; 
While in the lap of her dear mother. 
Her breath was gone without a smother. 



A SEQUEL OF THOUGHTS. 



With all misfortunes I've ever met, 
This will overweigh them all; 

For months my heart in grief was set. 
My little comforter death had called. 

But still we knew, with angels gone. 
To weep and wish her back again, 

We'd better live for Christ to join 

Our souls in union on heaven's plain. 



EXAMPLES FOR FATHERS AND MOTHERS. 229 

We know this world is full of trouble, 
And afflictions we must meet; 

With faith and patience God will double, 
A happy soul for Christ to greet. 

This life to say is but a shadow, 

It gleams awhile then fades away; 

''Tis then to live so ris^ht to 2^0, 

And ready to meet the eventful day. 



EXAMPLES FOR FATHERS AND MOTHERS. 

Fathers and mothers with daughters and sons, 
You know the change in life that comes; 
The}^ look to you for a guiding mark. 
Advise and counsel, they'll stop and hark. 

They think their father and mother are right, 
So them to obey they'll take delight; 
And when with children theyTl often say, 
^' My father and mother know the way." 

Then point your children to a guiding star. 
Like the sailors' compass in oceans far. 
So in the future they'll know for sure. 
When you are gone they must endure. 



16 



230 POEMS. 

Happy such thoughts in the ebbs of hfe, 
For fathers and mothers, husband or wife; 
If children are left with a golden rule, 
When you're in heaven the3^'re going to schooL 

For life to learn that God is love, 
Who rules the earth and heavens above; 
Hence better deeds will brighter grow, 
For Jesus is near and ready to show. 

But fathers and mothers the seed must plant 
With fostering care, there's no recant; 
Those little germs will sprout and grow, 
And years to come the fruit will show. 

Then time will ripen for the harvest day, 
When ready to garner the angels will say, 
" Thou good and faithful, we've got a store, 
Th}' fruit to gather on the other shore. 

How happy those thoughts with earth's adieu, 
For a robe in heaven all bright and new 
Those children to meet with a crown to wear 
If obedient in love and reverent in prayer. 

Oh! blessed thought, to live to know, 
Example deeds th}^ life will show; 
The prize may come ere we ma}' fall. 
Then God will crown us lord of all. 



EXAMPLES EOR FA THERS AND MOTHERS. 231 

'Tis not the treasures of earthly gain 
E'er fits the soul for a heavenly plain; 
We see the proof with the millionaires, 
Their bark is wrecked for lost repairs. 

''Oh!" say they, "If I had seen ,. 
The tides of life that run between, 
A different course I'd surely went, 
For God and heaven my all would spent." 

Eternity has come and they must go, 
This earthly treasure will give no show; 
And here they are without a bark. 
While time has warned, but they wouldn't 
hark. 

For earthly gain they ventured out, 
No pilot, nor captain, to show the sought; 
Now in the gulf they soon will drop, 
While anchor's lost their soul can't stop. 

Eternal night will seal their doom. 
While lost for riches and earthly bloom. 
That happy home in a heavenly land. 
Where saints are praising at God's command. 

Stop and think for a moment's time, 
Jesus eventually has marked the line. 
And opened the way by which to come, 
For proffered mercy he was God's son. 



232 POEMS, 

While God is love, let us obey, 
A hope secure without delay, 
So when the kiiell of death shall toll, 
We've got an anchor for our soul. 

'Tis a happy thought on death's pillow, 
O'er life's ocean without a billow, 
To hear the echo of welcome voices. 
Now safely landed, with us rejoices. 

This is more than million's worth, 
With Christ in heaven a holier birth; 
The wealth of earth is like a shadow, 
But there in heaven, 'twill never show. 



THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND. 



The highest station of a woman's life. 
Is when bequeathed with a nation's strife, 
To hold the crown and the power. 
Like kingly monarchs in palace tower. 

But Queen of England is a noble lady. 
Her deeds in proof we all can see. 
Yet from an infant this lady grew. 
Since crown bequeathed, she's kept it true. 



THE QUEEN OE ENGLAiVD. 233 

So England is proud of her noble acts, 
While honored by nations who know the facts, 
May heaven's blessings attend her through, 
While in her sphere we know but few. 

She now is ripening for the golden age, 
With saints to rest upon the upper stage; 
Ma}' God attend the crown she holds, 
When called away to the heavenly folds. 

Her deeds will live when she is gone, 
In hearts that are true the light will dawn, 
Like gold that's pure, so bright to wear, 
With brilliants shining, 'tis always fair. 

While good and true examples show. 

Like plants with culture, they're made to 

grow; 
Such minds to lead, with goodness wrought, 
Has life to come w^ith a cheering thought. 

If faithful and just unto the end, 

A crown from heaven God will send, 

When soul is ripe for celestial sphere. 

Then Christ, the judge, they'll meet with cheer. 

With his rewards for noble deeds. 

He knows their soul from the food he feeds; 

Come, ye blessed of my Father, 

From earth and trouble you needn't bother. 




THE ISOLATED FARMER THE HAPPIEST OF ALL. 



The farmer who Hves away in the field, 
Is tilHng his land for crops to yield; 
At first it seems a lonel}^ life, 
With no companions but his wife. 



He's just commenced to settle down. 
One year ago he left the town, 
Courted and married a farmer's daughter, 
A butcher boy knew nothing but slaughter. 



THE I SOLA TED FARMER. 235 

Hence no knowledge of a farming life, 
But the farmer's daughter was just the wife. 
For she could plan and show him how 
To plant the grain or hold the plough. 

His chums in town, sometimes would call, 
On Dick the butcher, who played the ball. 
I should die, say they to Dick, 
While all alone with a plow to stick. 

Out in those fields, away so far. 
From morn till night, and there you are; 
Well, says Dick, it is a pleasure. 
The soil to turn for grain a treasure. 

I never liked the butchers' trade, 
To slaughter and kill with an ugly blade; 
I love the lives of cattle and sheep. 
While them to slaughter, I'd almost weep. 

Well Dick, I'm glad you're doing so well. 
Your farm and crops all go to tell, 
A lucky strike for a farmer's girl. 
With you for biz shall make it whirl. 

'Tis now they leave, and Dick is alone. 
He says I'm happy to have a home; 
With honest toils I've got to share. 
My wife will help me here and there. 



236 POEMS. 

His flocks and herds know his voice, 
Like pets to follow he's got his choice, 
With them he talks and pats their nose, 
They love their master where'er he goes. 

He makes companions with all he's got. 
Horses and cattle or sheep in flocks, 
To toil and work he cares for all, 
Feeds and salts both great and small. 

You men in city go out and see. 
The lonely farmer is trimming a tree; 
The}^ alwa3's have a plent}' to do, 
No chance for lonely or get blue. 

Looks o'er his fields to watch his crops, 
If any to injure he tries and stops. 
If cattle or worms, bugs or flies. 
Some antidote he soon applies. 

And then the fruit trees and his shrubs, 

Prunes and trims to kill the grubs; 

You city men, what think you now.^ 

For bread and butter, you wouldn't know how 

To produce the staffs of life. 

The world to feed it takes a strife; 

If patched or dinged the farmer's clothes. 

Never slur for well he knows 



THE I SOLA TED FARMER. 237 

His products to eat you've got to have, 
With patches rough he's got to save, 
To plough and sow in dirt and dust, 
Your clothes so nice, the}- 'd surely be mussed. 

So now you see 3^ou cannot judge, 

Those men of toil should never budge; 

They are m tact the salt of earth. 

And yet there are few who know their worth. 

If plough should stop no grain would grow, 
When land isn't tilled you cannot sow; 
Then famine and want we soon would see. 
Starving with hunger the world would be. 

The farmer who lives way over the hills. 
For grain to grow, his land he tills. 
When ripe for harvest he gathers it in. 
When ready for market he wants his tin. 

Tell me now where to find 
A happier life than a farmer's mind; 
They raise their bread and butter make. 
Then pork and beef they have their steak. 

While wood is growing they've got to chop, 
For all the wants they've got to hop, 
The best of health, their meals can eat. 
And when it's night, enjoy their sleep. 



238 POEMS. 

Take all of the trades and traffics through, 

The happy farmer has got the cue; 

If prices go up he's got the stuff, 

Or when they're down he's got enough. 

Plenty, to eat, drink and wear, 
His table will show none hungry there, 
Nor neither to worry about next meal, 
Like city folks their pockets will feel. 



THE PASSION OF LOVE, 



That little passion is from the heart, 
Endowed by nature for all a part; 
Like a prince to kings, they call it love, 
From God it came like a turtle dove. 

To smooth and polish the ways of life. 
Ere heaven to gain with all the strife. 
While God, the Father, will hold the crown, 
'Tis him to love with soul's renown. 

It seems to be an innate power. 

As a link from earth to heaven's tower. 

Also to sweeten the bitter woes. 

And makes us friends with all our foes. 




LOVE. 



THE PASSION OF LOVE, 241 

If dark the clouds should hover o'er, 
Amid the tempest you'll see the shore; 
That germ of love has a radiant spark, 
To liofht us throuo^h when e'er so dark. 

The pilot angel knows its light, 
If on your banner no fear of night, 
The port is safe and the harbor sure, 
With faith to what you must endure. 

'Twill smooth our path where e'er we go, 
No thorns or briars can with it grow. 
With a gentle voice, 'twill always speak 
Such admonitions if e'er so weak. 

'Tis then to listen, if but ^ whisper. 
If wrong you've got, do not prefer. 
Let love decide to right the way. 
And never think you want to stay. 

Her field with flowers are ever blooming. 
With sweetened odors they're all perfuming, 
With health and vigor for every soul. 
Then garland wreath you can control. 

You cannot lose that precious gem. 
While ere to break or mar the stem, 
Maturing growth you may impede. 
But again from root the sprout will seed. 



242 



POEMS. 



Then if to wander so far away, 

That love in secret to heart will say, 

^^ My child, your mother once had thought 

That love and obey is never forgot." 

If wife and children, father and mother. 
Brothers and sisters, you will discover. 
Love is sealed for life to part. 
Indelibly stamped upon the heart. 





THE CHANGES AND PERIODS OF LIFE. 



It's first the infant in a helpless state, 
But next the youth that_swings the gate; 
Then soon to teens they will grow, 
So good examples to them you show. 

While minds are keen they're ready to cheath, 
With a slight impression thoughts will streach ; 
'Tis here we see parents should guard 
Their ever}^ act and so retard. 

While if too fast to hold the rein, 
As a guide you must and so restrain; 
Then while again, if they're too slow, 
A little prompting will help them go 



244 < POEMS. 

Upon the drama of an active life, 
And such with caution before the strife; 
While minds are young 'tis easy to learn', 
A word in time for life might turn. 

While in teens 'tis then to mold 
Their mind with thoughts in life to hold, 
And watch the points at ever}^ turn. 
For bad impressions the3^'ll sooner learn. 

When up to men and women grown, 
Then out in life they'll go alone; 
But still, the parents have an anxious thought, 
In hopes they'll follow instructions taught. 

If educated and rightly reared, 
With good companions, 'tis never feared 
They e'er could lose that golden mark, 
In darkest hours its light will spark. 

But now for action the drama's opened, 
For traits of biz they've got to tend ; 
Some parents neglect to ascertain 
Until grown up, and then the}^ blame. 

They make a choice, thus while compare, 
The ship will sail if winds are fair; 
So out they'll launch upon life's tide. 
While sea is open and ocean wide. 



THE CHANGES AND PERIODS OE LIEE. 245 

The}' '11 plan and toil all the wa}^ 
Wealth to gain and world to sway; 
But soon they'll come to the middle age. 
With an active force they've trod the stage. 

If with success, they can retire 

And live at ease with all desire; 

But still we find there's something lacking,- 

Their life and energy is on the slacking. 

The closing scenes begin to appear, 
For death to entomb, that awful fear; 
As time rolls on the scenes they dread. 
While holy bible they oft have read. 

They think to die and leave behind 
Friends and treasures, it seems unkind; 
In younger days they hardly thought 
With earth and friends so soon to part. 

They've toiled and struggled and sought for 

gain 
In wealth, to hold a certain fame; 
Hence that all-important thought, 
The worth of soul, was near forgot. 

And still, they've lived a moral life, 
But worldly gain took the strife; 
Then talent for God they put away. 
Thinking they'd work some other day. 



246 POEMS. 

The best of life they now have spent, 
For soul to grow the}^ must repent; 
Then bread of life Christ will feed, 
Ere heaven to go they'll see the need. 

'Tis now they think what Jesus has done. 
His Father to leave and heaven His home, 
As mediator ere souls were lost, 
He suffered and died upon the cross. 

Think you, then, death scenes are hard.^ 
Behold Jesus, whose hands were scarred, 
In all the agonies that flesh could bear. 
For a broken law He must repair. 

While e'er the way for souls to come 
And rest in peace with God at home; 
Do you want to live alwa}^. 
Old and crippled, with life to stay? 

Thy body will wither with a rust, 
Thence to molder again to dust; 
It was a shield for the soul to ripen. 
Like a flower upon the stem. 

To fade and wither, the leaves will drop, 
Then to ripen the seeds will stop; 
Which is the germ for life again. 
And so with soul with Christ to reign. 



THE CHANGES AND PERIODS OF LIFE. 247 

The periods of life that we have classed. 
Have come and gone so very fast, 
From an infant child to the old infirm; 
Such changes we see from whence we learn. 

All that is mortal was born to die, 

If ripe with age they needn't try 

To think it's all, this earthly life, 

They part with children, husband or wife. 

'Tis so with Nature, in all we see 
The fruit that's ripe must fall from tree; 
Also the flowers that bud and bloom 
With fragrant odors, they go so soon. 

Change is written on all below. 

To gather the harvest the grain will show; 

Then in spring to plant again. 

If soul is ripe, heaven's the plain. 

Then why need we to mourn and weep.^ 
Thy body with pains the soul can't keep. 
God has made all things so just. 
For life and promise on Him we trust. 

No one can change His holy law. 
Immutable to say, without a flaw; 
You aged fathers, and mothers, too. 
Through life you've wrought with this in view. 



248 POEMS. 



For God and heaven you see the Hght, 
As age matures the star grows bright ; 
Children and friends of all the earth, i 
Their bodies must die ere soul can birth 

For that immortal life to come, 

And rest with God and Christ at home; 

If age has passed to eighty-four, 

The pilot-angel is on the shore. 

No gloomy scenes you need expect, 
Thy physical nature will have a check 
To leave this clod of earthly clay. 
With lights for heaven you'll see the way. 

Then all who\^e ripened with age so pure. 
Such troubles in life they did endure; 
With toil and struggles they've made their 

way 
From an infant's cradle the}^ now can say. 

Hence in the grave they see a rest, 
This mortal body thy soul can't pest; 
It's like the husk that shields the grain, 
When all is ripe to plant again. 

So God will plant the soul to grow. 
On heaven's plain the bloom will show ; 
No trials nor troubles, nor nights are there, 
But peace and comfort with all you'll share. 



THE CHANGES AND PERIODS OE LIFE. 249 

A blessed thought for thy ripened age, 
When ready to take the heavenly stage; 
You've fought the fight, and battles won 
For God the Father and Christ the Son. 

Your name is written in the book of life, 
As a faithful servant 37ouVe kept the strife; 
No glooms to fight while in the grave, 
Thy earthl}^ body God don't crave. 

But lets it go to dust again 

For mother earth from whence it came ; 

'Twas onl}^ a shield for the soul 

To develope and unfold 

For high and nobler spheres to act. 
And Christ the teacher knows the fact. 
So happy to think thy feeble form 
Again in heaven with angels born. 

With newness of life a robe can wear, 
With saints and angels to join the choir; 
'Tis thus from the cradle to the grave, 
God has made our souls to save. 

Rejoice ye fathers, and mothers, also! 
From a world of trouble you can go, 
And rest in heaven from earthly care 
With saints and angels, Jesus is there. 



250 POEMS. 

No tears nor sorrows to wreck the heart, 
With those youVe loved no more to part; 
Neither sickening pains to dread, 
But with food by angels fed. 

For parting there is no more, 
O'er Jordan's river a golden shore; 
Death has taken that clod of clay, 
Our bodily house to molder awa}'. 

Who, then, would stay on this earth. 
While home of peace and love can birth? 
A blessed thought, you're born again, 
With God the Father and Son to reign. 

Who couldn't be happy for such a thought? 
While here to toil, 'tis all for nought; 
We know the same in life has been, 
Wir.h all the changes we've tried to pen. 

With equal pace impartial fate 
Knocks at the palace and cottage gate; 
Millions upon millions, not a moment more. 
With life to stay we can't implore. 

The grave looks dark with a physical eye, 
If friends are called we'll weep and cry. 
To think with them we ere must part, 
A gloomy sadness hangs o'er the heart. 



THE CHANGES AND PERIODS OF LIFE. 251 

To drop the veil, the soul will see 
Beyond the tears thy friends will be, 
No more to mourn in bitter grief, 
From the pangs of death they've got relief. 

Jesus the Saviour holds the light, 
Look over yonder, 'tis all so bright ; 
Those dear friends have no gloom. 
Heaven is bright as the joys of noon. 



